Azhvanchery Thamprakkal

Who is Azhvanchery Thamprakkal?

The His Holiness Azhvanchery Thamprakkal or Azhvanchery Samrat is the title of the senior-most male member of the Brahmin feudal lords of Oriparambil Mana in Guruvayur and Azhvanchery Mana in Athavanad, present-day Malappuram district, Kerala state, South India. The Azhvanchery Thamprakkal owned a bulk of land in Athavanad: The name Athavanad is derived from them: Azhvanchery Thamprakkal vazhum Nad. The Azhvanchery Thamprakkal is often considered as the supreme religious head of the Namboodiri Brahmins of Kerala and for every Raja to be formally crowned, his blessings were required.

The Thamprakkal has four privileges within the Namboodiri caste and otherwise:

⁕Bhadrasthanam: The chief seat in any assembly

⁕Sarvamanyam: Universal respectability

⁕Brahma Samrajyam: Sovereignty over all Brahmins

⁕Brahmavarchas: Highest authority in Vedic learning

The opinion of the Azhvanchery Thamprakkal was considered supreme in deciding matters relating to religion, caste, society etc. The family otherwise are Adhyan Namboodiris and use the surname of Namboodiripad.