Thantri or Tantri is the Vedic head who sets the rules in temples of Kerala and in coastal Karnataka in southern India.
Thantris are Shrauta Namboothiri Brahmins who study tantras, and belong to Poorva Mimamsa, one of the 6 schools of thought in Hindu philosophy.
The first step of a Yajamaanan (a person who has prepared himself mentally and financially) to build a temple, is to seek and accept (Varikkal) an aacharyan (Thanthri).
Sanskrit text Thanthra Samuchayam identifies an ideal aachaaryan as one who is born [citation needed] into a Brahmin family, has performed all the Shodasakriyas from Garbhaadhaanam to Agnyaadhaanam, has understood the concepts contained in the Vedas and Aagamas (Braahmacharyam, Gaarhasthhyam, Vaanaprasthham and Samnyaasam), has received blessings and Manthram advice from Gurus and elders, is an expert in performing rites and rituals (Karmams), is capable of receiving spiritual powers through meditation and penance (Thapas).
[citation needed] During the evolution and development of Thanthric philosophy, two kinds of aachaaryas emerged - the theoreticians and the practitioners.
While the former developed concepts and prescribed procedures, the latter perfected their performance through strict discipline, leading to the attainment of the expected results.
Written in simple style and understandable by the common man, it covers topics such as building of temples, consecration of murtis, kalasams, uthsavams and praayaschithams.