In 1975, the Agnichayana, a 3000-year-old ritual, the longest and the oldest surviving ritual of mankind, was performed at Panjal in Kerala, India [ Click here to see the maps  ]. The 12- day ritual was performed by Namboothiri Brahmins of Kerala. Long considered extinct and never witnessed by outsiders, the ceremonies require the participation of seventeen priests, preceded by several months of preparation and rehearsals.

         This performance was instigated by the Indologist Dr. Frits Staal , University of California and by Mr. Robert Gardner, with support from several international agencies.

         The two Vedic Scholars primarily responsible for the 1975 performance were Brahmasree Muttathukattu Mammunnu Itti Ravi (undisputed master of the Jaiminiya Samaveda) and Brahmasree Cherumukku Vaidikan Vallabhan Somayajipad or CV (occupies a central position in the ritual realm of the Rgveda and Yajurveda).

Recent Performances  of Athirathrams in Kerala

1.    Panjal (2011 , April 4-15 )

—  website , photos

2.    Kizhakkancherry ( 2006 )

3.     Kundoor  ( 1990 )

4.     Panjal  (1975)

5.     Panjal  (1956 )