Pandas or Tirthapurohits at Kamakhya

Role of Pandas and Relationship with Devotees

The Pandas or Tirthapurohits are an inseparable part of the Kamakhya Temples’ Complex. All the Brahmin Sebaits of Kamakhya is Pandas or Tirthapurohits of the Kamakhya Temples’ Complex, and they have a registered organization called Kamakhya Panda and Purohit Samaj. The Pandas or Tirthapurohits have a direct relationship with the devotees who visit Kamakhya, and they guide the devotees through the process of Darshan / Worship in the temples of the complex and also recite Mantras during the process. The Pandas or Tirthapurohits arrange special puja / rituals for the devotees in all the temples of the Kamakhya Temples’ Complex.

The relationship between the Pandas or Tirthapurohits and the devotees has continued through generations, and in most cases, the devotees have become like relatives to the Pandas or Tirthapurohits. Many of the devotees from outside Guwahati stay with the families of Pandas or Tirthapurohits at Kamakhya during their visit. The Pandas or Tirthapurohits maintain a genealogical register of the devotees they serve, and they also send Blessings (Raktavastra, Sindoor, Dried Flower, Prasad, etc.) by post to the devotees 2-3 times a year. The devotees receive all-round help and assistance from the Pandas or Tirthapurohits, while the Pandas or Tirthapurohits receive remuneration for their services from the devotees.