Of the two divisions, Nambutiri and Nambutiripad, the latter are supposed to be stricter, and to rank higher than the former. Pad, meaning power or authority, is often used to all Nambutiris when addressing them. Thus, some who are called Nambutiripads may really be Nambutiris. It may not be strictly correct to divide the Nambutiris thus, for neither so-called division is separated from the other by interdiction of marriage. The class distinctions are more properly denoted the Adhyan and Asyan, of which the former is the higher. An Adhyan is never a priest; he is a being above even such functions as are sacerdotal in the temple. But there are also divisions according to the number of yagams or sacrifices performed by individuals, thus:--Somatiri or Somayaji, Akkitiri or Agnihotri, and Adittiri. A man may reach the first stage of these three, and become an Addittiripad by going through a certain ceremony. At this, three Nambutiri Vaidikars, or men well versed in the Vedas, must officiate. A square pit is made. Fire raised by friction between two pieces of pipal (Ficus religiosa) wood with a little cotton is placed in it. This fire is called aupasana. The ceremony cannot be performed until after marriage. It is only those belonging to certain gotras who may perform yagams, and, by so doing, acquire the three personal distinctions already named. Again, there are other divisions according to professions. Thus it is noted, in the Cochin Census Report, 1901, that "the Adhyans are to study the Vedas and Sastras; they are prohibited from taking parannam (literally meals belonging to another), from taking part in the funeral ceremonies of others, and from receiving presents. Those who perform the sacrifice of adhana are known as Aditiris, those who perform some yaga are called Somayagis or Chomatiris, while those who perform agni are called Agnihotris or Akkitiris. Only married men are qualified to perform the sacrifices. The Nayar is an indispensable factor in the performance of these sacrifices. The Bhattatiris are to study and teach the Sastras; the Orthikans are to teach the Vedas, and to officiate as family priests. The Vadhyans are to teach the Vedas, and to supervise the moral conduct of their pupils. The Vydikans are the highest authority to decide what does or does not constitute violation of caste rules, and to prescribe expiatory ceremonies. The Smarthas are to study the Smritis and other Sastras relating to customs, with the special object of qualifying themselves to preside over caste panchayats, or courts, and to investigate, under the orders of the sovereign, cases of conjugal infidelity arising among the Nambutiris. The rulers of Cochin and Travancore issue the writs convening the committee in the case of offences committed within their territory. The Zamorin of Calicut, and other Chiefs or Rajas, also continue to exercise the privilege of issuing such orders in regard to cases occurring in Malabar. The Tantris officiate as high