Why nambiathiri is treated as high grade nampoothiri?

Answer 1

The Nambiathiris are a section of Braahmanans who were part of the Braahmanan communities once spread widely in Kerala from Kozhikode to Kollam. However, today they are largely confined to a few scattered Thaluks in the districts of Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kollam.The Nambiathiris, no doubt, were also functioning as ministerial advisors to Kshathiya kings and occasionally as rulers of small territories. The ruler of Kochi had awarded the Nambiathris who were in charge of the regions of Edappalli and Paravoor such a high status, most likely as a reflection of their responsibilities related to governance

Some ExtingisNambiathiri Families

1. Pooyappalli Illam, Haripad. (Even now called Pittambil Kottaram by the locals). This family had patronage of five important temples. They still own an ancient temple of Sastha.
2. Meppilli Illam, Kayamkulam. (Also known as Vettikkottillam). This family also owns a famous temple of Nagaraja, believed to have been installed by Parasuraman, where thousands of devotees congregate daily.
3. Chiramukathu Illam, east of Mavelikkara. (The family is also known as Chiramukathu Panikkar). Patron of Ayyappa Temple at Kottukulanji.
4. Ayiratathu Illam, Mallappalli