Administration

The temple land extends upto "Kozhisseripadam" in the east, "Ganapathitheertham" in the west, "Bharathapuzha" in the north and "Kovilakaparambu" in the south. The whole area formerly belonged to Sri Ayyappa, Lord of the Bhuthas. But Parasuraman has entrusted the trusteeship of the whole property to the Moosads of five brahmin families namely, Vavath, Changanath, Kandanath, Kizhakkillath and Kandangath. The eldest of the Moosads held the status of "Parasu-utayavar". Whoever received this status gave up his relationship with his family and continued to reside in the temple itself. The Parasu-utayavar and 'Samudaya' appointed by the "Ooraymas"1 and "Karanmas"2 took up the administration of the temple. The Mahayogam (great conference) including the Ooraymas and the Karanmas and other representatives of the temple used to be held twice a year, one on the 'Dwadasi' before the new moon day in the month of Medam (March-April) and the other on the tenth of Karkitakam (June-July). The Parasu-utayavar was all powerful and was empowered to inflict any punishment including death sentence in the temple area. In Kali era 3493 the Cheraman Perumal gave over the temple land to the Perumpadappuswarupam. It is seen that the Perumpadappuswarupam enlarged the area of land under the temple and entrusted the administration to the very same body, that is the 'Great conference' or 'Mahayoga'.

Eventhough the Swaroopas of Tarur, Arangode and Nediyirippu had voice in the administration of the temple, the entire power got vested with the Perumpadappuswaroopam. Gradually the management of the temple came to be the responsibility of the Cochin Devaswam Board. At present the Devaswam office functions in the south west corner of the temple inside the compound wall. Although several changes have occured to the positions held by the trustees, the claims of Edasseri Mana, Kunnath Mana, Marutheri Mana and Mundakkal Mana as the main poojaries (priests) and those of Kuniyil Mana and Elayidath Mana as helping priests stand established permanently. The 'Tantri' of the temple is Kunnath Bhattathiri of Peruvanam village, near Thrissur.

It was in ME 1002 that a covering was made for the idol in the western shrine as a measure of security consequent to the fire accident. Two 'Kalasams' have been conducted, one in ME 1058 following the reconstruction of the temple and another in ME 1112 after renewing the metal covering. A 'Dravya kalasa' was also conducted recently. The Devswam Board, in collaboration with the temple welfare committee is conducting 'Laksharchana' and 'Ekadesi' celebrations, every year.