Pranam 1 vide my feb 21 article: * <https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-names-for-the-different-Brahmins-in-India>*
*What are the names for the different Brahmins in India? <https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-names-for-the-different-Brahmins-in-India>* Although Brahmins make up just 5% of the total population, there are way too many categories of Brahmins. *Pancha-Gauda* and *Pancha-Dravida* <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancha-Dravida> are the two primary Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmins>, as per the śloka <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Aloka> from the *Rajatarangini* <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajatarangini> of Kalhana <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalhana>: कर्णाटकाश्च तैलंगा द्राविडा महाराष्ट्रकाः, गुर्जराश्चेति पञ्चैव द्राविडा विन्ध्यदक्षिणे || सारस्वताः कान्यकुब्जा गौडा उत्कलमैथिलाः, पञ्चगौडा इति ख्याता विन्ध्स्योत्तरवासिनः || (The-) Karnātakas, Tailangas, Dravidas, Mahārāshtrakās and Gurjaras; these five(-types who-) live south of Vindhya (- mountains) are (called-) "five Dravidas" (- Brahmins); (whereas-) Sārasvatas <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C4%81rasvata>, Kanyakubja Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanyakubja_Brahmins>, Gauḍa Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gau%E1%B8%8Da_Brahmins>, Utkala Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utkala_Brahmin>, and Maithil Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maithil_Brahmin>, who live north of Vindhya (- mountains) mainly in Nepal <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal> are known as "five Gaudas" (-Brahmins) *Pancha-Gauda Brahmins* can be further classified into the following: *1. Saraswat Brahmins* - Kashmiri Pandits <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashmiri_Pandits> - Goud Saraswat Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goud_Saraswat_Brahmin> - Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitrapur_Saraswat_Brahmin> - Rajapur Saraswat Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajapur_Saraswat_Brahmin> - Kudaldeshkar Gaud Brahman <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kudaldeshkar_Gaud_Brahman> - Daivajna brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daivajna_brahmin> *2. Kanyakubja Brahmins* - Kulin Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulin_Brahmins> - Sanadya Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanadya_Brahmin> - Kamrupi Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamrupi_Brahmins> - Kanyakubja Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanyakubja_Brahmin> - Sakaldwipiya Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakaldwipiya> - Pareek <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareek> Brahmins - Pushkarna Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pushkarna_Brahmin> *3. Utkala Brahmins*, also known as Oriya Brahmins, are a caste from the Indian state of Odisha <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odisha> previously known as Utkala Kingdom, Kalinga Kingdom and neighbouring states of Chhattisgarh <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhattisgarh>, Andhra Pradesh <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradesh>, West Bengal and Jharkhand <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jharkhand> *4. Maithil Brahmins* are a Hindu Brahmin community from the Mithila <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithila> region of Nepal <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal> and India <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India>. They are one of the five Pancha-Gauda Brahmin communities. *5. **Saryupareen Brahmins* <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saryupareen_Brahmins> , also known as Sarvarya Brahmins or Saryupariya Brahmins, are North Indian Brahmins residing on the eastern plain of the Sarayu <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarayu> near Ayodhya <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayodhya>. *Pancha-Dravida Brahmins* can be further classified into the following: *1. Telugu Brahmins* of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are broadly classified into four groups: Vaidiki Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaidiki_Brahmins>, Niyogi <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niyogi>, Dravida Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaraama_Dravidulu>, and Vaikhānasa <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaikhanasas>. Niyogis <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niyogi> are further divided into the following subcategories: Nandavarika Niyogi, Prathama Shakha Niyogi, Aaru Vela Niyogulu. *2. Maharashtra*: *Chitpavan Konkanastha Brahmin* <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitpavan_Konkanastha_Brahmin>*, **Deshastha Brahmin* <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deshastha_Brahmin>* and **Karhade Brahmin* <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karhade_Brahmin>. Among the three, Deshastha Brahmins are found in Northern Karnataka and parts of Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu also. *3. Karnataka* - Smartha Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartha_Brahmins> - Madhwa Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhwas> - Mysore Iyengars <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysore_Iyengars> - Tuluva Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuluva_Brahmins>, which consist of Kandavara Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kandavara_Brahmins>, Karhade Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karhade_Brahmin>, Padia Brahmins, Saklapuri Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saklapuri_Brahmins>, Shivalli Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shivalli_Brahmins>, Smartha Shivalli Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartha_Shivalli_Brahmins>, Sthanika Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sthanika_Brahmins>, Padarthi Brahmins. - Havyaka Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havyaka_Brahmin> - Gowda Saraswat Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gowda_Saraswat_Brahmins> - Sankethi Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sankethi_Brahmins&action=edit&redlink=1> - Daivadnya Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Daivadnya_Brahmin%27s&action=edit&redlink=1> s *4. Tamil Nadu* - Iyengar <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iyengar> (sub-divided into Vadakalai <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadakalai> and Thenkalai <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thenkalai>) - Iyer <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iyer> (sub-divided further into Vadama <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadama>, Vathima <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vathima>, Brahacharanam <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahacharanam>, Ashtasahasram <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtasahasram>, Chozhiya or Sholiyar <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chozhiya_or_Sholiyar&action=edit&redlink=1> , Dikshitar <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dikshitar>, Kaniyalar, Prathamasaki,Gurukkal) *5. Kerala* - Nambudiri <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nambudiri> - Pushpaka Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pushpaka_Brahmins> - Iyer <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iyer> *6. Gujarat and Rajasthan* - Shrimali Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrimali_Brahmins> - Tapodhan Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tapodhan_Brahmins&action=edit&redlink=1> - Valam Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Valam_Brahmins&action=edit&redlink=1> - Aboti Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aboti_Brahmins> - Modh Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modh> - Nagar Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagar_Brahmins> - Audichya Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audichya_Brahmin> - Bardai Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bardai_Brahmins> - Anavil Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anavil_Brahmin> - Nodera Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nodera_Brahmin> - Khedaval Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khedaval> - Valadara Brahmins <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Valadara_Brahmins&action=edit&redlink=1> - Garg Brahmin <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Garg_Brahmin&action=edit&redlink=1> So there you go. These many categories of Brahmins do exist. So many categories make up just 5% of India's population with only Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh having more than 10% and with Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Sikkim, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh having above 5% of their respective population. KR IRS 26221 2 Many more on this were written already after this also. 3 *upakarma and Yagnopaveetham* Upakarma is in Sanskrit THE STARTING, THE BEGINNING AND Yagnopa veetham IS WEARING THE POONUL FOR PERFORMANCE OF YAGNAS GETTING THE CARTE-BLANCHE. Upakarma is used in Atharva vedam and gruya sutrams as seen below: 1 श्रवणे श्रवणायाम् उपाकर्म कुर्वीत आश्वलायन गृह्य सूत्र 2 प्रौष्ठपदी हस्तायाम् वा श्रवणे श्रवणायां उपक्रमण= गोभिल गृह्य सूत्र 3 श्रवणे पौर्णमास्यां उपाकर्म =पारस्कर गृह्य सूत्र 4 Praśna I, Paṭala 3, Khaṇḍa 9 Apasthamba dharma sutra. 5 Chapter 6 - Norms of Good Conduct for Householders 6 Skanda puranam Section 2 - Dharmāraṇya-khaṇḍa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-skanda-purana/d/doc423621.html> 7 Upākarma (उपाकर्म) refers to the “annual ritual of taking up of studies” and represents one of the eighteen bodily rituals ( *śārīraka-saṃskāras*) mentioned in the Vaikhānasagṛhyasūtra (viz., *vaikhānasa-gṛhya-sūtra*) which belongs to the Taittirīya school of the Black Yajurveda (*kṛṣṇayajurveda*).—The original Gṛhyasūtra of Vaikhanāsa consists of eleven chapters or “*praśnas*”. Each *praśna* is subdivided into sub-divisions called “*khaṇḍa*”. But only the first seven chapters deal with actual Gṛhyasūtra section. Of these, the first three chapters dealing with the bodily rituals [viz., Upākarma]. 8 श्रावण्यां प्रौष्ठपद्यां वाऽप्युपाकृत्य यथाविधि । युक्तश्छन्दांस्यधीयीत मासान् विप्रोऽर्धपञ्चमान् ॥ ९५ ॥ *śrāvaṇyāṃ prauṣṭhapadyāṃ vā'pyupākṛtya yathāvidhi* | *yuktaśchandāṃsyadhīyīta māsān vipro'rdhapañcamān* || 95 || Having perfomed the “Upākarma” (starting rite) on the full- moon day in the month of Śrāvaṇa or of Bhādrapada, the Brāhmaṇa shall, with due diligence, study the vedas, according to rule, during four months and a half.—(95) ( Manusmrithi 4.95) 9 थाशास्त्रं तु कृत्वैवमुत्सर्गं छन्दसां बहिः । विरमेत् पक्षिणीं रात्रिं तदेवैकमहर्निशम् ॥ ९७ ॥ *yathāśāstraṃ tu kṛtvaivamutsargaṃ chandasāṃ bahiḥ* | *viramet pakṣiṇīṃ rātriṃ tadevaikamaharniśam* || 97 || Having performed, according to law, the “Utsarga” of the Vedas, he shall cease for the night with its two wings, including the same day and night.—(97) Manusmrithi 4.97) KR IRS 6621 On Sun, 6 Jun 2021 at 12:30, 'gopala krishnan' via iyer123 < [email protected]> wrote: > *IYER- THE GREAT PART 2* > > Friends, > > I had covered about sub sects Vadama and Brahacharanam subsects of > Brahmins in detail already. I had completed earlier posting with Karnataka > Iyers. Continue reading. > > *7. Sri Lanka* > > According to the Buddhist scripture MAHAVAMSA, the presence of Brahmins > has been recorded in Sri Lanka as early as 500BC when the first migrations > from the Indian mainland supposedly took place. > > Brahmins were an important constituent of the Sri Lankan Tamil minority. > Tamil Brahmins are believed to have played a historic role in the formation > of the Jaffna Kingdom. Now Brahmins are few in Srilanka. > > *8. Recent migrations* > > Apart from South India, Iyers have also migrated to and settled in places > in North India. There are significantly large Iyer communities in Mumbai > and Delhi. > > These migrations, which commenced during the British rule, were often > undertaken in search of better prospects and contributed to the prosperity > of the community. > > My note- Mattunga is having more Brahmins in Bombay comparing to other > areas. On those days it was common to go to Bombay in search of job with > some basic qualification. Mostly there would be a cousin or known person > for many. > > Similarly many have gone to Calcutta also with their type writing and > shorthand knowledge for stenography etc. > > Similarly many Hindus, Christians and Muslims are in Chennai from Kerala. > Many Palghat iyers are in Chennai for generations. We can distinguish them > from their talk, behaviour etc. They talk to persons from Kerala in Palghat > Malayalam. > > In recent times Iyers have also migrated in significant numbers to the > United Kingdom, Europe Arab countries and the United States in search of > better fortune. > > *9. Iyer sub sects* > > Iyers have many sub-sects among them, such as Vadama, Brahatcharanam, > Vāthima, Sholiyar or Chozhiar, Ashtasahasram, Mukkāni, Gurukkal, Kāniyālar > and Prathamasāki each sub-sect is further subdivided according to the > village or region of origin. > > *9A Vāthima* > > The Vāthimas (Tamil: வாத்திமா) are few in number and are confined mostly > to eighteen villages in Thanjavur district. They are sub-divided into > Pathinettu Gramathu Vāthima or Vāthima of the eighteen villages, Udayalur, > Nannilam and Rathamangalam. > > *9B .Ashtasahasram or Ashtasasthram* > > The Ashtasahasram (Sanskrit: अष्टसहश्रम) are, like the Brahacharnams, > more Saivite than the Vadamas. They are further sub-divided into Aththiyur, > Arivarpade, Nandivadi and Shatkulam. > > *9C Dīkshitar* > > The Dīkshitars (Tamil: தீக்ஷிதர்) of Chidambaram or more particularly > called in Tamil as 'Thillai Muairavar' are based mainly in the town of > Chidambaram and according to legend, have descended from three thousands > individuals who migrated from Varanasi. They wear their kudumi in front > of their head like the Nairs and Namboothiris of Kerala.These iyers are > wheat complexioned as observed by me while worshipping Chidambaram temple. > > I have read elsewhere in net mostly they marry among their community > making a group as Chidambaram Deekshithars. > > *In Tamilnadu about a family it is common to joke-* Are you Chidambaram > or Madurai? Madurai meant women more commanding in the family. Chidambaram > means men more commanding in a family. > > *9D Chozhiar or Sholiyar* > > The Sholiyars (Tamil: சோழியர்) serve as priests, cooks or decorate idols > in Hindu temples. Chozhiars hold the universal belief that *Chanakya, the > minister of Chandragupta Maurya was one of them.* > > They are divided into Tirukattiur, Madalur, Visalur, Puthalur, Senganur, > Avadiyar Koil. Renowned carnatic singer, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar > belonged > to the Chozhiar community. > > There is a Malayalam *saying “chozhiyan Kudummi chumma aatuma?”* meaning > if he agrees or say yes, he aims some gain out of it. > > 9E. Sivacharyas or Gurukkal > > The sect of Sivāchārya or Gurukkal (Tamil: குருக்கள்) form the hereditary > priesthood or in the Siva and Sakthi temples in Tamil Nadu. > > They are Saivites and adhere to the philosophy of *Shaiva Siddhanta and > in that sense are not followers of Adi Shankarachyarya.* > > They are well versed in Agama Sasthras and follow the agamic rituals of > these temples. Because of these cultural differences, intermarriages with > other Iyers are rare even to this date. > > Gurukkals are sub-divided into Tiruvalangad, Conjeevaram and > Thirukkazhukunram. > > I had a junior engineer from the community. Once he was telling me they > are orthodox in marriage matters. At that time I could not understand what > he meant. > > 9F Mukkāni > > The Mukkāni (Tamil: முக்கானீ) sub-sect of Iyers are traditionally helpers > to the priests in the temples of Thiruchendur. Tiruchendur is having main > priest Nampoothiri, if I recollect. > > Legend has it that *the Mukkānis were the Bhootaganas, *the demon > bodyguards of Lord Siva and that they were given the responsibility for > guarding Subrahmanya's shrines by Siva. The Mukkanis predominantly > subscribe to the Rig Veda. > > 9G Kāniyālar > > The Kāniyālar (Tamil: காநியாளர்) are a little known sub-sect of Iyers. A > large number of Kāniyālars serve as cooks and menial servants in Vaishnavite > temples. *Hence, they sport the nāmam like Vaishnavite Iyengars.* > > 9H Prathamasāki > > The Prathamasākis form another little-known sub-sect of Iyers. > > They follow the White Yajur Veda.( Yajurveda learnt from Sun God by sage > Yanjavalkya). Not the black yajurveda of Vaisampayana – his uncle and Guru. > > *Black Yajurveda is followed by most yajurvedies in South India)* > > According to Hindu legend, in remote antiquity, the Prathamasākis were > cursed by God to spend one hour every day as Parayars and hence they are > known as "Madhyana Paraiyans" in Tanjore district and are regarded > inferior by other sects of Brahmins. > > 9I Hiranyakesigal. > > Edgar Thurston also mentions another sect of Iyers called Kesigal or > Hiranyakesigal.However, this sub-sect appears to have disappeared or merged > into the larger Vadama community with the passage of time. > > 10. Vedic study > > Iyers, just like other Brahmins are/ were required to learn the Vedas. > Iyers are also divided into different sects based on the Veda they follow. > Iyers belonging to the Yajur Veda sect usually follow the teachings of the > Krishna Yajur Veda. > > Now there are *vedapatasalas and sasthrikals instructing students in > Tamilnadu*. They study in addition other subjects also. Afterwards they > are absorbed to the profession as sasthrikal. > > There are also special schools with vedadhyayam as a compulsory subject. > Along with Upakarma there is Vidyarambham. Most have reduced Vedic study > limited to it. > > 11 Brahmin gotra systems > > Iyers, like all other Brahmins, trace their paternal ancestry to one of > the eight rishis or sages. > > Accordingly they are classified into eight gotrās based on the rishi they > have descended from. A maiden in the family belongs to gotra of her father, > but upon marriage takes or adopts the gotrā of her husband. > > Gothrolbhava during marriage is reciting gothra of the bride groom and > bride with lineage details. > > Since Kanya danam is there, *she adopts the Gothra of the bride groom, > still having- “ENGATTHU GOTHRAM”. * > > On account of this if anybody decease in her parents family she has > limited “theettu”. Nowadays they observe theettu for the full days, > since they go to their mother’s home and return only after samaradhani. > *Exceptions > can be there.* > > 12. Vedic sakhas > > The Vedas are further sub-divided into shākhās or "branches" and followers > of each Veda are further sub-divided based on the shākhā they adhere to. > However, only a few of the shākhās are extant, the vast majority of them > having disappeared. The different Vedas and the corresponding shākhās that > exist today in Tamil Nadu are: > > 1) Rig Veda Shakala and Paingi 2) Yajur Veda Kanva and Taittiriya 3) > Sama Veda Kauthuma, Jaiminiya/ Talavakara, Shatyayaniya 4) Atharva Veda > Shaunakiya and Paippalada > > 13 Rituals > > Iyer rituals comprise rites as described in Hindu scriptures such as > *Apastamba > Sutra attributed to the Hindu sage Apastamba*. > > There are a few following Bhodayana sutra attributed to sage Bhodayanam. > During > aavani avittam, their mantras are more with slight deviation. *Many > sasthrikal refer book for reciting them. * > > We can hear on Avittam day sasthrikal announcing- *Bodhayanam ellam > thaniyae ukkarungo, avalukku manthram verae aakkum…. * > > The most important rites are the Shodasa Samaskāras or the 16 duties. > > 14. Changing sacred thread > > Once a year, Iyers change their sacred thread. This ritual is EXCLUSIVE > TO SOUTH INDIAN BRAHMINS and the day is commemorated in Tamil Nadu as Āvani > Avittam. > > My note- I have read it from Wikipedia. Learnt members can write- *for > other Brahmins there is no such a ritual as upa karma? * > > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "iyer123" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/2039928970.3152595.1622962814261%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/2039928970.3152595.1622962814261%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. 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