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{{short description|Tamil community in Tamil Nadu}}
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{{infobox caste
| caste_name            =Desikar
| caste_name_in_local    =
| image                =
| caption          = <small>[[Siva prakasar]] • [[Dhandapani desikar]] • [[Velaiyar]]• [[l|Vednata desikar]]</small>
| classification        = [[Scholars]], [[Landlords]]
| subdivisions          =
| country                =[[India]]
| region                = [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Kerala]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Burma]]
| languages              = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| religions              = [[Saiva Siddhanta]], ([[Hinduism]])
| related                =Pandarathar
|ethnicity=[[Indian people|Indian]]}}


'''Desikar''' is a [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-speaking community from the [[Indian state]]s of [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Kerala]].{{cn|date=June 2025}}


==References==
{{reflist}}


'''Desikar''', '''Desigar'''  or '''Pandaram'''  is a [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-speaking pandaram community from the [[Indian state]]s of [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Kerala]]. They are particularly priests and land owners. {{citation needed|date=December 2022}}
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{{Link FA|ta}}
==Origin of Desikar==
[[ta:]]==Desikar==
Revision as of 13:00, 24 October 2017
Desikar / Pandarathar / Veerasaivar / Jankam / Yogeeswarar / Kannadiar,
Classification Saiva siddantha, Thambiran, Lingayat, Scholars, Landlords, Tamil scholars, Tamil literature
Religions Saiva Siddhantam, Hinduism
Languages Tamil
Region Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Burma
Related groups
Abisheka
Desikar
Desikar (தேசிகர்) or Desigar is a Tamil-speaking community from the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They are particularly priests and land owners in the upper caste stream.


The Desikar community is a very ancient one which promotes the [[Shaivism|Saivite]] religion. This community especially focuses on Saiva Siddhanta and Thirumurai. The caste Desikar or [[Desigar]] is derived from the word pandram meaning "sage" in [[Tamil language|Tamil]]. There are different theories concerning the meaning of the word Pandaram. The caste Pandaram comprises two divisions, Abhishekar and Desikar. But the later name Desikar was taken as a title.
Origin of Desikar
The Desikar community is a very ancient one which promotes the Saivite religion. This community especially focuses on Saiva Siddhanta and Thirumurai. The caste Desikar or Desigar is derived from word Pandaram, meaning "sage" in Tamil. There are different theories concerning the meaning of the word Pandaram. The caste Pandaram comprises two divisions, Abhisheka and Desikar. But the later name Desikar as taken as a back title.


==Dhikshai process==
Dhikshai process
Those who lead a celibate life wear lingam. They became Saivas by getting Dhikshai.
Those who lead a celibate life wear lingam. They became Saivas by getting Dhikshai.


*"Samaya"
"Samaya"
*"Nirvana, Visesha"
"Nirvana, Visesha"
*"Kala sothanai"  
"Kala sothanai"
*"Abhishekam"
"Abhishekam"
 
are the few stages of Dhikshai practice.
are the few stages of Dhikshai practice.


Some act as temple servants, supplying flowers for God and singing hymns.
Few of them are temple servants, supply flowers for God, Sings hymns in temple. So, they used to be called Meikaval (Body god of the God) and Oduvar (reader).
So, they used to be called ''Meikaval'' (Bodyguard of the God) and Oduvar (reader).
 
==Divisions in Pandaram==
Desikar is a sub-division of community known as 'Pandaram'.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Erin3nkU3ZUC&q=desikar+caste&pg=PA46|title=Castes and Tribes of Southern India|last1=Thurston|first1=Edgar|last2=Rangachari|first2=K.|date=2001|publisher=Asian Educational Services|isbn=9788120602885|pages=46|language=en}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=too old|date=July 2012}} The Pandarathar caste is composed of respectable people. The name ''pandaram'' means valuable storing place of jewels, navarathnas stored in the temples and palaces, they are placed to maintain the jewels of temples and palaces. They are land holders, traders, sanyasis (monk), priests (guru) and managers of richly endowed temples.
 
These managers are commonly called ''Thambiran''. They are all vegetarians and staunch believers of Saiva Siddantha.
 
Abhisheka Pandaram has to pass through few ceremonies related to Saiva Agama.
 
The Mendigate Pandarams, recruited from a few other classes, wear the lingam but do not abstain from eating flesh.
 
Some of the sub-castes of the predominant Desikar community are:
* Desikar- head of mutt.
* Abhisheka - person who do pooja in temple and mutt.
* Oduvar - the reader who sing thirumurai in temple and mutt.
* Meikaval - the staff or worker in temple or mutt.
* thambiran - managers of mutt.
 
==Distribution==
The community is distributed throughout [[Tamil Nadu]] and also in [[Kerala]], [[Malaysia]], [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Singapore]]. However, they form a significant proportion of population in the southern districts of [[Tamil Nadu]].
 
==Marriage and their customs==


They do not mingle with other castes by marriage; but some do marry from other castes like Saiva Vellalars and other Vellalar sub caste.
Divisions in Pandarathar
Desikar is a sub-division of community known as 'Pandarathar'. [1][better source needed] The Pandarathar caste is composed of respectable people. The name pandarathar means valuable storing place of jewels, navarathnas stored in the temples and palaces, they are placed to maintain the jewels of temples and palaces. They are Land holders, Traders, Sanyasis (monk), Priests (guru) and Managers of richly endowed temples.


==List of Adheenam / Mutts in Tamil Nadu==
These managers are commonly called Thambiran. They are all vegetarians and staunch believers of Saiva Siddantha. Abhisheka pandaram has to pass through few ceremonies related to Saiva Agama.


* Velakurichi Adheenam
The mendigate pandarams, recruited from a few other classes, wear the lingam but do not abstain from eating flesh.
* Mailam Bommapuram Adheenam<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/Large-turnout-of-devotees-at-Masi-Magam-festival/article14728864.ece|title=Large turnout of devotees at Masi Magam festival|date=2007-03-04|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-04-24|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{URL|http://murugan.org/temples/mailam.htm}}{{bare URL inline|date=September 2022}}</ref>
* [[Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam]]<ref>{{Cite book|title=A short history of the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam of Thirukkailaya Parambarai.|last=Ātīn̲am|first=Tiruvāvaṭutur̲ai|date=1970|publisher=Adheenam|location=Thiruvavaduthurai|ol = 4080364M}}</ref>
* Sivagiri Adheenam
* Perur Veera saiva Adheenam<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://picasaweb.google.com/112019630256157025471/PhotoGallery?gsessionid=IRYll4oqFNHaou-QSRQugw|title=Album Archive|website=picasaweb.google.com|language=en|access-date=2018-04-24}}</ref>
* Thiruvannamalai-Kundrakudi Adheenam <ref>http://www.desipad.com/india-news/22591-head-kundrakudi-thiruvannamalai-mutt-escapes-unhurt-accident.html</ref>
* Suriyanarkoil Adheenam
* [[Thiruppanandal Adheenam]]
*Madurai Adheenam
* Senkol Adheenam
* Thuzhavoor Adheenam
* Kamakshipuri Adheenam
* Pollachi Adheenam
* Dindigul sivapuram adheenam
* AvaduthuRai Adeenam<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://murugan.org/temples/index.htm#.UJnzO2criSo|title=Murugan Temple Directory|website=murugan.org|access-date=2018-04-24}}</ref>
* [[Dharmapuram Adheenam]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bhakthibooks.info/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=6|title=bhakthibooks.info (Powered by CubeCart)|website=www.bhakthibooks.info|access-date=2018-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiankanoon.org/doc/58794155/|title=Arulmigu Vaithianathaswamy ... vs The Hindu Religious And ... on 6 January, 2012|website=indiankanoon.org|access-date=2018-04-24}}</ref>


==Desikar Mutts in brief ==
The Lingayat pandarathar are known as lingayats.


The pioneer who established Adheenam (Mutts, Dynasty) are known as "Desikar" or "Desikar Paramacharya", ''pontiff'' in English. Most of the pontiffs are Brahamacharis that maintain celibacy. Only a few became Samsaris. So only few mutts followed the successive pontiff by lineage. But most of the Adheenam select the pontiff by "Guru Shishya Parambara". Ancient Tamil history pronounces that Saivaite religion or sector doesn't have the casteism. After the invasion of the other races, casteism played a prominent role in the Saivaite unknowingly. So the successive pontiffs are selected or elected from the so-called various communities. Hence few of the descend from the Desika Paramacharya lineage.
The latter respect their Jangam and used the sacred water, in which the feet of the Jangam are washed, for washing their stone lingam.


===Velakurichi Adeenam===
Some of the sub-castes of the predominant Desikar community are
Tamil Nadu is pronominally a traditional state. Here are several important and noteworthy temples apart from Math’s. Hindu Religious Charitable Endowment Department regulates and controls most of these temples through its administration. A Temple is an institution of prehistoric antiquity, having continuity of existence through centuries and through many political upheavals in the land. They have played prominent role in the history, not only in the promotion of religion but also in the promotion of social and cultural life of the people. The Law of Karma and Re-incarnation is the major belief of Hinduism.


It is one among the various institutions spreading the message of Hinduism for many centuries in south India. The founder of the velakurichi Mutt is Sathyagnana Desika Deerga Dharsinigal. He descended from ‘God Siva’ one Sri Kandaparamasivam. The Velakurichi mutt was founded in the 15th century on the banks of Thamirabarani River in Velakurichi village, a part of Ambasamudram Taluk, Thirunelvely District.
Veerasaivar{ Veerasaiva vellalar}
Desikar
Abhisheka
Oduvar
Meikaval
Distribution
The community is distributed throughout Tamil Nadu and also in Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Singapore. However, they form a significant proportion of population in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.


The peculiarity of the mutt, as distinct from the other mutts is, a ‘Grahastha – Sanyasi’ managing the mutt, where as the Heads of the other mutts like Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, Kanchipuram Adheenam and Dharmapuram Adheenam are pure ‘Naistiga – Sanyasis’. By custom in succession the Velakurichi Adheenam, controls and supervise the four famous temples viz,
Marriage and their customs
They do not mingle with other castes by marriage; but some do marry from other castes like Pillai, Saiva Vellalars


The adheenam is the hereditary trustee of Five temples in Thanjavur District:
List of Adheenam / mutts in Tamil Nadu
Velakurichi Adheenam
Madurai Adheenam
Mailam Pommapuram Adheenam[2]
Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam,[3][4]
Sivagiri Adheenam
Perur Veera saiva Adheenam[5]
Thiruvannamalai-Kundrakudi Adheenam [6]
Suriyanarkoil Adheenam
Thiruppanandal Adheenam[7]
Senkol Adheenam,
Thuzhavoor Adheenam,
Kamakshipuri Adheenam
Pollachi Adheenam
AvaduthuRai Adeenam[8]
Dharmapuram Adheenam,[9][10]
Desikar Mutts in brief
The pioneer who established Adheenam ( Mutts, Dynasty) are known as "Desikar" or "Desikar Paramacharya", pontiff in English. Most of the pontiffs are Brahamacharis maintains celibacy. Only a few became Samsaris. So only few mutts followed the successive pontiff by lineage. But most of the Adheenam select the pontiff by "Guru Shishya Parambara". Ancient Tamil history pronounces that Saivaite religion or sector doesn't have the casteism. After the invasion of the other races, casteism dominate a prominent role in the Saivaite unknowingly. so. the successive pontiffs are selected or elected from the so-called various communities. Hence few of the mutts only at the hands of Desika Paramacharya lineage.


* Agniswarar Temple, Thiruppugalur
Velakurichi Adeenam
* Utharapatheswarar Temple, Thiruchenkattankudy
Tamil Nadu is pronominally a traditional State. Here are several important and noteworthy Temples apart from Math's. Hindu Religious Charitable Endowment Department Regulate and control most of these temples through its administration. A Temple is an institution of prehistoric antiquity, having continuity of existence through centuries and through many political upheavals in the land. Temple have played prominent role in the history, not only in the promotion of religion but also in the promotion of social and cultural life of the people. The Law of Karma and Re-incarnation Aim of life to realize God is the major belief of Hinduism.
* Meganatha Swami Temple, Thirumeeyachur
* Thiyagaraja Swami Temple of Abhiseka Kattalai
* Annadhana Kattalai, Thiruvarur


===Thuzhavoor Adheenam===
It is one among the various institutions spreading the message of Hinduism for many centuries in south India. The founder of the velakurichi Mutt is SATHYAGNANA DESIKA DEERGA DHARSINIGAL. He descended from "God Siva" one Sri Kandaparamasivam. The Velakurichi mutt was founded in the 15th century on the banks of Thamirabarani River in Velakurichi village, a part of Ambasamudram Taluk, Thirunelvely District.
{{transliteration|ta|Sri La Sri Gnanaprakasha desiga swamigal}} is current {{transliteration|ta|thuzhavoor aheenam}}.


==Notables==
The peculiarity of the mutt, as distinct from the other mutts is, a "Grahastha – Sanyasi" managing the mutt, where as the Heads of the other mutts like Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, Kanchipuram Adheenam and Dharmapuram Adheenam are pure "Naistiga – Sanyasis". By custom in succession the Velakurichi Adheenam, controls and supervise the four famous temples viz,


===Tamil literature===
The adheenam is the hereditary trustee of Five temples in Thanjavur District
* [[Kambar (poet)]], belongs to uvacha sect of pandaram caste
*[[Perur Santhalinga Swamigal]], Spiritual Writer, Sidhar (Monk with spiritual powers)
*[[T. V. Sadasiva Pandarathar]], Archeologist, Tamil Historian
*[[Kumara Swamy Desikar]], saiva spiritual writer
*[[Velaiyar]], Eminent Tamil poet
*[[Karunai Prakasar]], saiva spiritual writer
 
===Music===
*[[Dandapani Desikar]]<ref>{{URL|http://www.hummaa.com/music/artist/m-m-dhandapani-desikar/22139}}{{bare URL inline|date=September 2022}}</ref>
 
===Arts and cinema===
*[[Dandapani Desikar|MM Dandapani Desigar]] a noted musical scholar
*[[Aparna Pillai]], actress
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}


Agniswarar Temple, Thiruppugalur
Utharapatheswarar Temple, Thiruchenkattankudy
Meganatha Swami Temple, Thirumeeyachur
Thiyagaraja Swami Temple of Abhiseka Kattalai
Annadhana Kattalai, Thiruvarur
Thuzhavoor Adheenam
Sri la Sri Gnanaprakasha desiga swamigal is current thuzhavoor aheenam


Notables
Spiritual
Sri Arunagirinathar, Madurai Adeenam
Tamil literature
Velaiyar, Eminent Tamil poet
Kavimani Desigavinayagam Pillai[11]
Senthamiz Chezhian (a) Muthukumarasamy desikar[12]
Historical personalities
Siva prakasar[13]
Isanya desikar[14]
T. V. Sadasiva Pandarathar
Freedom fighters and social leaders
Mr. V. Selvaraj, Ex secretary of Gandhi memorials, Madurai and Sakthi kudil-Pudupatty near Aruppukottai.
S.V.S.Rathinam,
Thiyagi Poonga Thangavellanar freedom fighter
Education
K.P.Desikar[15]
Music
Dandapani Desikar[16]
Thomas Rathnam, Music Director
Arts and cinema
MM Dandapani Desigar a noted musical scholar [17]
Dharani, film director
Aparna Pillai, actress
Vincent Therraisnathan, USA, singer, publisher, industrialist
Vijayalakshmi, actress.
Anbuththamizh, writer,speaker, social interest, politician.
Business
Pritham Padmanaba desikar
N.Shanmugam, Singapore
Politicians
B. S. Gnanadesikan -Chief of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee
Vijayadharani - M.L.A
External links
Lingayat's Unique Symbol for Alimighty, Supreme GOD - Lingam and Jangam Guru
References
[1] Castes and Tribes of Southern India-Page 46 — Book by Edgar Thurston, K. Rangachari on various castes and tribes of southern India
http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/04/stories/2007030405440300.htm
https://openlibrary.org/books/OL4080364M/A_short_history_of_the_Thiruvavaduthurai_Adheenam_of_Thirukkailaya_Parambarai
http://paadal-petra-sthalangal.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?orderby=updated
http://picasaweb.google.com/112019630256157025471/PhotoGallery?gsessionid=IRYll4oqFNHaou-QSRQugw
http://www.desipad.com/india-news/22591-head-kundrakudi-thiruvannamalai-mutt-escapes-unhurt-accident.html
http://www.chron.com/business/press-releases/article/53-Prominent-Hindu-Organizations-Pass-Resolution-3575028.php
http://murugan.org/temples/index.htm#.UJnzO2criSo
http://www.bhakthibooks.info/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=6
http://indiankanoon.org/doc/58794155/
http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/19/stories/2011011955030700.htm
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-downtown/achievement-award-presented/article4349357.ece
http://davidgodman.org/asaints/isdesikar.shtml
http://vdpcollege.com/Aboutus.html
http://www.hummaa.com/music/artist/m-m-dhandapani-desikar/22139
< [2] — The Hindu Newspaper-MM Dhandapani Desigar-True proponent of Tamil Isai
-->


{{DEFAULTSORT:Desikar (Community)}}
[[Category:Tamil society]]
[[Category:Tamil society]]
[[Category:Social groups of Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Social groups of Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Tamil diaspora]]
[[Category:Tamil diaspora in Asia]]
[[Category:Tamil diaspora in Asia]]
[[Category:Indian castes]]
[[Category:Indian castes]]

Latest revision as of 00:49, 26 June 2025


Desikar is a Tamil-speaking community from the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.[citation needed]

References[edit | edit source]

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