Sebaits of Kamakhya

The most important aspect of Kamakhya Temples' Complex is the tradition of the Sebaits (servitors) who are an inseparable part of the ritualistic, socio-religious and socio-cultural tradition. There are clear historical evidences that the ruling dynasties of Pragjyotishpura, Kamarupa and the Ahom Kings brought selected persons from various parts of India to serve and take part in the elaborate religious, ritualistic and ceremonial duties.

The system of distribution of duties, called Pali or Pala, rotates within the families of a particular group of Sebait based on their duty and responsibility. This rotation system has been documented as per the Hindu calendar and has been followed since time immemorial.

To actually become eligible as a Sebait, the male member(s) of a family must go through the process of Diksha (initiation) under the Guru. Without Diksha, major groups of Sebaits are not allowed to offer religious and ritualistic services in any temples of the Complex.

Brahmin Sebaits

As per the tenets laid down in the scriptures, the system of worship is an elaborate affair requiring the participation of several different classes of priests:

1. Brahmas — Well versed in the Vedas, Puranas and Samhitas for the supervision of rites and rituals and for taking Sankalpa
2. Pujaris or Pujaks — For the performance of the rites and ritualistic practices
3. Bidhipathaks — For reading out the "Bidhi" (scriptures and instructions) to guide the pujaris
4. Hotas — For the performance of the "Homa" (ritualistic Fire) or the rites associated with the fire altar
5. Chandipathaks — For performing the puja, rituals and chanting the "Chandi" (Durga Saptasati) related to invocation of the Goddesses
6. Supakars — Brahmin families entrusted with the preparation of the daily "Bhog" (cooked offerings)

Non-Brahmin Sebaits

A host of non-brahmin Sebait families form the majority of the workers and servants of the deity. These families are directly responsible for the smooth functioning of the entire process of worship:

1. Athporia or Astha Prahari — Keepers of security and supervisors of cleanliness inside the temple
2. Duari — The door keepers
3. Bolikata — Persons involved in the sacrifice of the offered animals
4. Bolidhara — Persons assisting the Bolikata in the sacrifice
5. Tamuli — Arrangers of the Naivedyas or offerings
6. Bhandar or Bhandar Kayastha — Supplier of raw materials for Bhog and Naivedyas
7. Bharali — The store keeper
8. Mali — Supplier of flowers and fruits
9. Malakar — The makers of garlands
10. Paneri — The water supplier
11. Gayan-Bayan — The singers and musicians
12. Seel — The barbers
13. Jagamukti — The cleaner of the sacrificial altars
14. Sonari — The goldsmiths and silversmiths
15. Da Dhara — Persons who sharpen the sacrificial swords
16. Kaur Khenia — Persons who drive away birds and animals
17. Shitenia — Persons who assist the Supakars in preparation of Bhog
18. Danda Dhara — Persons who hold the flags and poles in processions

Role of Women

While only male members directly render services in the temples, the women of the Sebait families play an important role. They render help in arrangements for puja, rituals, festivals and ceremonies at the household level and on some occasions in the temples.

Most importantly, a group of women sing devotional songs, hymns and prayers which have evolved at Kamakhya and are exclusive to the temple complex. The lyrics of some of these are guarded secrets, not disclosed to persons outside Kamakhya.

The Raja-Rajeswari Puja performed during Chaitra Navaratra for 15 days is the principal puja of the initiated male and female Sebaits under the Kulacara Tantra Marga. The puja and rituals are performed behind closed doors and non-initiates are strictly not allowed to participate.

Pandas or Tirthapurohits

The Pandas or Tirthapurohits are an inseparable part of the Kamakhya Temples' Complex. All the Brahmin Sebaits are Pandas or Tirthapurohits and they have a registered organization called Kamakhya Panda and Purohit Samaj.

The Pandas guide devotees through the process of Darshan and worship, recite Mantras, and arrange special pujas in all the temples. Their relationship with devotees runs through generations — many devotees have become like relatives. The Pandas maintain genealogical registers of devotees and send blessings (Raktabastra, Sindur, Dried Flower, Prasad) by post 2–3 times a year.