(Hindus) why only a Keralite priest is made a Head Priest in Badrinath?

Question

All the shrines in Garhwal have local priests...but this single shrine always has a head priest from Kerala ...do you know why ??

Answer 1

It's because Adi Shankaracarya himself hailed from Kerala, hence it is in that vein of thought that Nambudiri priests are installed in this temple.

I can't help but feel a little tinge of pride here, since I am Malayalee myself. :)

Answer 2

Besides the Rawals of Badrinath, the Pashupatinath temple in Nepal traditionally has Namboodiri (Keralite) priests. At the same time, the priests at Rameshwaram are originally from Ayodhya.

These traditions are at least as old as Shankaracharya's period (7th century AD). These and many other ancient traditions are live example of the concept of one Indian nation from the Himalayas to Indian ocean as contrary to the claims of British uniting the sub-continent.

Answer 3

It was first started by Adi Sankaracharya.
In my personal opinion, I think true faith is found in Kerala.
If u go to any other renowned temple outside Kerala, they make a lot of money in the name of religion. That doesn't happen here; there is no special dharsan ticket for those who pay more
I believe that any atheist will believe in God if he goes to Keralite temples.
There is a mythological tale that God Himself created the land of Kerala for Parasurama to live in peace; so it's really a paradise on earth
Though Iam a Tamilian, I prefer visiting Keralite temples esp. Padhmanabaswamy temple at Trivandrum and Krishna temple at Guruvayoor

Answer 4

Hinduism categorised humanity in 4 categories (varnas) with thousands castes therein . Those Hindus not included in these 4 varnas are Untouchables. Hindu attains perfection (moksha) by practising the job of his caste which alone is his worship and prayer. Brahmins (and none else) are licenced to read, study and recite holy verses of sacred books and scripts and to attend temple prayers. Naturally Brahmins alone occupy temples as priests (Ref. Verses 40-47 Chapter-18 of The Holy Bhagavad Gita). Hindus' castes are quite unchangeable, as is held by all Central & State governments' laws, rules, acts, regulations, notifications, orders, etc. and abundant judgements of Supreme/High Courts. Hinduism is not a religion. It is a custom, tradition, culture and way of Hindus' lives in Hindustan (India). Hinduism has no restrictions and prohibitions. Hindus are free to live their lives at their wish and wisdom. None can convert to Hinduism. A Hindu can embrace a religion and remain Hindu by nativity.

Answer 5

It is as per old convention.Basically it has been started at the time of AADI SHANKARACHARYA to promote unity among the people