Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.1244.3

c8.1244.3

5) In Malabar there is a customary atonement or expiation called Vrātyastoma for those Brahmin boys who had not undergone investiture with the sacred thread within the stipulated time. This shows the stress laid on the need of religious education. 6) The custom that all the male members of the family except the family chief should be engaged in ‘Snātaka-vṛtti’ (should remain celibates even after education) is prevalent only in Malabar. 7) Much importance is attached to evening worship in Kerala. At that time the Vedic gods are not hailed. But Brahmins of other parts of India do not seem to attach so much importance to this practice. 8) The Brahmins outside Kerala repeat the mantras uttered by the priest and perform the functions, at the time of meditation and worship. But in Kerala for meditation and worship with or without incantations a priest is not necessary. This indicates the practice in vogue during Vedic period before the priestly class became predominant. 9) The Nambūtiris have recognized only three Vedas.