A Thatththriyar (sometimes written as Thaththriyar) is a priest or a person skilled in performing religious rituals, particularly in South Indian temples. The term is commonly used in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian regions to refer to temple priests who carry out specific rituals (pujas) and mantras. They are trained in performing Vedic rituals and temple duties and are typically from certain Brahmin communities.
In the South Indian context, particularly in Tamil culture, Thatththriyar may also refer to priests who specialize in specific kinds of worship or rituals, such as Sanskrit recitations, temple offerings, and other sacred duties.
So, a Thatththriyar is essentially a human priest or a ritual expert, often belonging to a particular lineage of priests who serve the temple or community.
