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Valluvar (caste)
Valluvar (Tamil: வள்ளுவர்) வள்ளுவர் is a caste belonging to the தமிழ் community in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They are the hereditary priests preaching and practicing astrology, astromomy and medicine in Tamil Nadu.
Origin[edit]
Valluvars are believed to have been the priests of the Pallava kings before the introduction of Brahmins and for sometime after their arrival.[1] The exalted position of Valluvars in the social hierarchy during those times is indicated by inscriptions which refer to Valluvars in a respectful manner.
An independent community[edit]
Though Valluvars were regarded as a low income and minority group, but maintained uniqueness among Hindu community by caste Hindus.[2] Owing to their occupation as priests, all males over twelve wore the sacred thread.[2] The priests of the Valluvars are sometimes called Vellala Pandaram, Thiruvalluva Nayanar.[2]
Sub-sects[edit]
The important sub-sects of Valluvans are Tavidadari and Tiruvalluvan.[3] Valluvars are broadly classified into two main sub-divisions: Arupadhu Katchi or sixty clans and Narpadhu Katchi or forty clans.[3]
The Arupadhu Katchi considered themselves the descendants of Nandi Gurukkal and have his name as their gotra.[3] The Narpadhu Katchi are of the gotra Sidambara Sayichya Ayyamgar.[4] The sub-division alvar claim descent from Tiruppan Alvar.[4]
Practices[edit]
Valluvars follow both Saivism and Vaishnavism. Saivite and Vaishnavite Valluvars dine together, but not intermarry.[5] Valluvars wear a necklace of tulsi beads and are known as Alvar Dasari or Tavadadhari.[5] Some hold that the true Valluvan is one who practices astrology and that those who officiate as priests aren't true Valluvars.[3] The affairs of the community are handled by a caste-council.[4] The community is headed by a Kolkaran or a Kanakkan.[4] There are the hereditary astrologers of the Indian temple town of Vaithiswaran Koil and are considered experts in Nadi astrology.[6][7]
Notes[edit]
- ↑ Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 303
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 310
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 305
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 306
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 304
- ↑ Raghavan, M. "Turning over old leaves". The Sunday India. Retrieved 20 September 2008.
- ↑ B. Pandian, Thomas (1895). Slaves of the Soil in Southern India. University of Michigan. p. 24.
References[edit]
- Thurston, Edgar; K. Rangachari (1909). Castes and Tribes of Southern India Volume VII. Madras: Government Press.
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