Nāgavanshi Nairs mainly follow Shaivism and Shaktism. I assume Shiva as Cosmic Illusion and Shakti as Cosmic Power. In Nāgavanshi Nair Tharavādus Peethams were kept in the Prayer room for the Devi Pūja. Some astrologers claim that Nairs did Devi Pūja in Tamasik way, that is by offering alcohol and by sacrificing animals to the Goddess. It's not true. I don't know about other Nair communities but in my community the Pūja was performed in Satvik way. Tender coconut water was used instead of alcohol and saltless Ada(अडा) was used instead of meat. In recent years, some astrologers advised Nāgavanshi Nairs to perform Devi Pūja in Tamasik way which brought ill-luck to their families.
Paradevata(परदेवता)
The family deity is called Paradevata in Malayalam. Every Nāgavanshi Nair family has a Goddess as their Paradevata. Our family deity is Goddess Shree Bhuvaneshwari. Bhuvan means world and Ishwari means Goddess. So, Bhuvaneshwari means The Goddess of the world or The Ruler of the world. Nāgavanshi Nairs give Pūjas once in a year to their Paradevata and Nāga Devatas.
Peetham(पीठम्)
A Peetham is flat circular plate carved in particular way. A Peetham was kept in the Pooja room of Nāgavanshi Nair Tharavadus and a sword which is curved at the top in 'C' shape was kept near the Peetham. Those who perform Pūja using Peetham first invoke Goddess into Peetham and then give all the offerings to the Goddess.
The Pūja
The Pūja was performed by the priest of a Brahmin family on a fixed date. Clean drinking water, flowers, incense, food are offered to the Goddess. Menstruating women are not allowed to attend the Pūja. They remain in their room till the Pūja is finished.
Those who can't afford
Those who can't afford for or find it difficult to conduct Devi Pūja at home can book Pūja in Temples. It also gives good results. We book Pūja in Shree Bhuvaneshwari Temple managed by Chinmaya Mission in Thrissur district of Kerala.
