Mezhathol Agnihothri
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Mezhathol Agnihothri (born 342 AD[citation needed]) is a figure in the folk history of Kerala who is credited with reviving the ancient Shrauta traditions in Kerala, India, in around the 4th century AD.[citation needed] At that time, Buddhism and Jainism had eroded the ancient Vedic religion and culture of India. Mezhathol rejuvenated the ancient customs by performing 99 Yaagams. The Shrauta traditions still remain intact in Kerala today, maintained by the rigidly orthodox Nambudiri Brahmins.
Yaagam
Mezhathol Agnihothri began gathering interest in the Yaagam culture and proceeded to perform 99 Yaagams, one after the other. However only seven of the original 32 Nambudiri Graamams (Villages) agreed to assist Mezhathol, and today only these Graamams (Taliparamba, Alathur, Karikkad, Panniyur, Sukapuram, Peruvanam and Irinjalakkuda) have the right to perform Yaagam. 17 Nambudiri experts are required to perform Yaagam, and they come from Kalakandathur Griham, Maathur Griham, Kulukkamillaavur Griham, Chemmangad Griham, Pazhoor Griham, Muringoth Griham and Vella Griham.
It is believed that if a person performs 100 Yaagams, that person has the same status of Indran. After Mezhathol performed 99 Yaagams, Indran, worried that he may lose his power, requested Mezhathol not to perform the 100th Yaagam. Mezhathol declined, explaining that he was not performing the Yaagams for personal gain, but to retain the culture of Yaagam amongst Brahmins. At this, Indran gave Mezhathol and his seven associates the same status as himself.
Aadhyan Nambudiri
The assistance of 8 Nambudiri families (Griham) was recognised by Mezhathol Agnihotri and he classed these 8 families as the Ashtagrihathil Aadhyanmaar (Eight Elite Families). Members of these families are known as ''Aadhyan'' Nambudiris ("Aadhyan" literally means "the first one" in Malayalam). Adhyans adopted the title of "Nambudiripad" to show their superior status. However in the subsequent centuries, several non-Aadyan families (known as Aasyan Nambudiris) have also adopted the title of "Nambudiripad" in imitation of Adhyan Nambudiris.