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This page deals with the Hindu varnas. A Hindu ( Devanagari: हिन्दू is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, a set of religious, Philosophical Varna (sa वर्ण varṇa) is a Sanskrit term derived from the root meaning "to enclose" For other uses of this word and similar words, see Brahmana, Brahman and Brahman (disambiguation). The Brāhmaṇa s ( Devanagari: sa ब्राह्मणं are part of the Hindu śruti literature Brahman ( bráhman-, Nominative bráhma sa ब्रह्म is a concept of Hinduism. For the family of moths known as brahmin moths, see Brahmaeidae. A moth is an Insect closely related to the Butterfly, both being of the order Lepidoptera. Brahmaeidae is a family of Insects in the Lepidoptera order commonly known as brahmin moths.

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Brahmin, in Hinduism, traditionally refers to the priestly caste or a member of this caste in the Hindu caste system. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is an umbrella term for a wide variety of related religious traditions native to India. Within Hinduism a large number of personalities or 'forms' are worshiped as Murtis. Hinduism comprises numerous Sects or denominations The main divisions in current Hinduism are Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism Hindu mythology is the large body of Mythology related to Hinduism, notably as contained in Sanskrit literature, such as the Sanskrit epics and Hindu philosophy is divided into six Sanskrit ''{{IAST|āstika}}'') schools of thought or darshanas (literally "views" Sankhya The Sanskrit term ( Devanāgarī: धर्म Pali transliteration dhamma) is an Indian spiritual and religious Artha ( Devanagari: अर्थ is a Sanskrit term meaning "purpose cause motive meaning notion" In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release" Karma is a concept in Hinduism which explains Causality through a system where beneficial effects are derived from past beneficial actions Yoga ( Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, joːgə refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the Bhakti ( Devanāgarī: भक्ति) is a word of Sanskrit origin meaning devotion. Maya ( Sanskrit sa माया māyā) in Indian religions, has multiple meanings This article is about Hinduism. Puja or "pooja" may also refer to certain devotional practices performed by Balmikis Buddhists (see A Hindu temple or Mandir ( Sanskrit: मंदिर is a house of worship for Hindus followers of Hinduism. Literature regarded as central to the Hindu literary tradition was predominantly composed in Sanskrit, Indeed much of the morphology and linguistic "Veda" redirects here For other uses see Veda (disambiguation. The Upanishads ( Devanagari: उपनिषद् IAST: upaniṣad also spelled "Upanisad" are Hindu scriptures that constitute the core teachings The Rāmāyaṇa ( Devanāgarī: sa रामायण is an ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to the Hindu sage ( Maharishi) Valmiki For other meanings see Purana (disambiguation. The Puranas ( Sanskrit: sa पुराण purāṇa, "of ancient times" The following is a bibliography of Hindu scriptures and texts. The percentage of Hindu population of each country was taken from the US State Department's International Religious Freedom Report 2006. These are some of the most noteworthy Gurus and Saints of Hinduism (in alphabetical order A Hinduism is going through a phase of regeneration and reform through the vehicle of several contemporary movements collectively termed as Hindu reform movements. Ayurveda ( Devanāgarī: आयुर्वॆद the 'science of life' is a system of Traditional medicine native to India, and practiced in other The Hindu calendar used in ancient times has undergone many changes in the process of regionalization and today there are several regional Indian Calendars, as This article deals with social and cultural criticism of Hinduism The following is a glossary of terms and concepts in Hinduism. Jyotiṣa ( Sanskrit jyotiṣa, from jyótis- "light heavenly body" also spelled Jyotish and Jyotisha in English Castes are Hereditary systems of occupation, Endogamy, social culture, Social class, and Political power. Castes are Hereditary systems of occupation, Endogamy, social culture, Social class, and Political power. The Sanskrit word Brāhmaṇa denotes the scholar/teacher, priest, caste, class (varṇa), or tribe, that has been traditionally enjoined to live a life of learning, teaching and non-possessiveness . Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical The Brāhmaṇa s ( Devanagari: sa ब्राह्मणं are part of the Hindu śruti literature Castes are Hereditary systems of occupation, Endogamy, social culture, Social class, and Political power. A tribe, viewed historically or developmentally consists of a Social group existing before the development of or outside of States Many anthropologists use [1][2][3] The Sanskrit terms Brahman and Brāhman ("belonging to Brahman") are also used. Brahman ( bráhman-, Nominative bráhma sa ब्रह्म is a concept of Hinduism. [4] The English word brahmin is an anglicised form of Sanskrit word brāhmana, however they are not necessarily the same things. Whilst brahma loosely translated means knowledge and one with such knowledge a brahmin, historically and in the vedic sense the acquisition of this knowledge was not confined to one belonging to the brahmin caste. Anyone could acquire brahman. Perhaps over time the group in society entrusted to acquire and preserve this brahma calcified into a caste grouping not unlike other ancient societies which also developed a priestly class for the same reasons.

Brahmins are also called Vipra "inspired",[5] or Dvija "twice-born". [6]

In 1931 (the last Indian census to record caste), Brahmins accounted for 4. The Demographics of India are overall remarkably diverse India's population of approximately 1 32% of the total population. Brahmins even in Uttar Pradesh, where they were most numerous, constituted just 9% of the recorded population. Uttar Pradesh (उत्तर प्रदेश اتر پردیش pronounced, Translation: Northern Province) referred to as '''U In Tamil Nadu they formed less than 3% and in Andhra Pradesh, less than 2%. Tamil Nadu ( Tamil:, Country of the Tamils, t̪ɐmɨɻ n̪aːɽɯ is one of the 28 states of India. [7] In Kerala, Nambudiri Brahmins make up 0. Kerala ( Malayalam: {{Kerala in Malayalam}}; The Nambudiri Brahmins ( Malayalam: ml നമ്പൂതിരി ml-Latn nambũdiri, also transliterated Namputiri, Namboothiri) are the 7% of the population.

Contents

History

Main article: History of Hinduism

The history of the Brahmin community in India begins with the Vedic religion of early Hinduism, also known as Sanatana Dharma, in ancient India. Hinduism is an umbrella term for a wide variety of related religious traditions native to India. This article discusses the historical religious practices in the Vedic time period see Hinduism and Indian religions for details Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country The Vedas are the primary source of knowledge for brahmin practices. "Veda" redirects here For other uses see Veda (disambiguation. All the sampradayas of Brahmins take inspiration from the Vedas. In Hinduism, a sampradaya ( IAST sampradāya) can be translated as ‘tradition’ or a ‘religious system’ although the word commands much more respect According to Brahmin tradition, it is believed that Vedas are apauruṣeya and anādi (beginning-less), but are revealed truths of eternal validity. The Vedas are considered Śruti (that which is heard, signifying their validity or relevance and hence the Vedas are considered Srutis that which have been heard and are the paramount source of Brahmin traditions and is believed to be divine. If you are looking for the singer see Shruti Haasan. For other meanings see Śruti (disambiguation. "Veda" redirects here For other uses see Veda (disambiguation. These Srutis include not only the four Vedas (the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda), but also their respective Brahmanas. The Rigveda ( Sanskrit sa ऋग्वेद ṛgveda, a compound of ṛc "praise verse" and veda "knowledge" The Yajurveda ( Sanskrit यजुर्वेदः, a Tatpurusha compound of yajus "sacrificial formula' + veda The Samaveda ( Sanskrit: सामवेद sāmaveda, from sāman "melody" + veda "knowledge") is third (in the usual The Atharvaveda ( Sanskrit: अथर्ववेद atharvaveda, a Tatpurusha compound of {{IAST|atharvan}}, an ancient Rishi The Brāhmaṇa s ( Devanagari: sa ब्राह्मणं are part of the Hindu śruti literature Brahman and Brahmin are not the same. Brahman ( bráhman-, Nominative bráhma sa ब्रह्म is a concept of Hinduism. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self or God of Hindus. Brahmin or Brahmana refers to the caste of an individual. The brahmins are scholars, teachers and priests. Additionally, the word Brahma refers to first of the gods and Brahman, the Supreme God.

Brahmin communities

See also: Brahmin communities

The Brahmin castes may be broadly divided into two regional groups: Pancha-Gauda Brahmins and Pancha-Dravida Brahmins as per the shloka,however this sloka is from Rajatarangini of Kalhana which is composed only in 11th CE and many communities find their traces from sages mentioned in, much older Vedas and puranas. Brahmin communities in India are traditionally divided into two regional groups Pancha-Gauda Brahmins and Pancha-Dravida Brahmins according Pancha-Gauda and Pancha-Dravida are two chief Divisions of Brahmins, as per the śloka from Rājatarangini of Kalhaṇa / Kalhana: कर्णाटकाश्च A Sanskrit term shloka (श्लोक also spelt sloka specifically denotes a metered and often rhymed poetic verse or phrase "Veda" redirects here For other uses see Veda (disambiguation. For other meanings see Purana (disambiguation. The Puranas ( Sanskrit: sa पुराण purāṇa, "of ancient times"

कर्णाटकाश्च तैलंगा द्राविडा महाराष्ट्रकाः,
गुर्जराश्चेति पञ्चैव द्राविडा विन्ध्यदक्षिणे ||
सारस्वताः कान्यकुब्जा गौडा उत्कलमैथिलाः,
पन्चगौडा इति ख्याता विन्ध्स्योत्तरवासि ||[8]

Translation: Karnataka, Telugu (Andhra), Dravida (Tamil and Kerala), Maharashtra and Gujarat are Five Southern (Panch Dravida). Saraswata, Kanyakubja, Gauda, Utkala, Maithili are Five Northern (Pancha Gauda). WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Kannauj ( Hindi कन्नौज Urdu: کنوج) also spelt Kanauj, This classification occurs in Rajatarangini of Kalhana and is mentioned by Jogendra Nath Bhattacharya in "Hindu Castes and Sects. The Rājatarangiṇī ( The River of Kings) is a metrical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir from earliest time written in Sanskrit by Kalhaṇa. Kalhana ( कल्हण) (c 12th century) a Kashmiri Brahmin was the celebrated author of Rajatarangini, Kashmir 's history " [9]

Pancha Gauda Brahmins

Panch Gaur (the five classes of Northern India): 1) Saraswat, 2) Kanyakubja, 3) Gauḍa brahmins, 4) Utkala Brahmin, and 5) Maithil Brahmin6)( Saryuparin Brahmin). Saraswat Brahmins are descended from a Brahmin caste mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures as inhabiting the Saraswati River valley the geographic The Gauḍa brahmins comprise one of the five sub-divisions of Panch-Gauda (pañcagauḍa pañca-gauḍa-brāhmaṇa-jāti, i Meaning':(The- Karnātakas Tailangas Dravidas Mahārāshtrakās and Gurjaras these five(-types who- live south of Vindhya (- mountains are (called- "five Dravidas" (- Maithil Brahmins ( Brāhamaṇas is the correct Sanskrit term form part of ancient Vedic Brahmins. In addition, for the purpose of giving an account of Northern Brahmins each of the provinces must be considered separately, such as, North Western Provinces and Pakistan, Gandhar, Punjab, Kashmir, Sindh, Rajputana, Kurukshetra, Nepal, ayodhya (Oudh), Central India, Trihoot, Bihar, Orissa, Bengal, Assam etc. Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and Punjab ( ਪੰਜਾਬ پنجاب, पंजाब پنجاب also Panjab (پنجاب meaning "Land of the Five Rivers") (c This article is about the geographical region of greater Kashmir Sindh ( Sindhī: سنڌ Urdu: سندھ is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhis. Rājputāna, also called Rājwār was the name of present Rājasthān state the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of area before its formation in 1949 CE Kurukshetra ( Hindi: कुरुक्षेत्र is the name of a City in Kurukshetra District of the Indian state of Haryana हरियाणा Nepal (नेपाल) is a Landlocked country in South Asia. The Central India Agency was a political unit of British India, which covered the northern half of present-day Madhya Pradesh state Bihar ( Hindi:बिहार Urdu: بہار bɪhaːr) is a state in eastern India. Orissa (ଓଡ଼ିଶା is a state located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. Etymology and ethnology The exact origin of the word Bangla or Bengal is unknown though it is believed to be derived from the Dravidian-speaking tribe Bang Assam) ( Assamese: অসম Ôxôm) is a northeastern state of India with its capital at Dispur, a suburb of the city The originate from south of the (now-extinct) Saraswati River. [10]

In Punjab, they are classified as Saraswat Brahmins. Punjab (ਪੰਜਾਬ पंजाब pəɲdʒaːb is a state in northwest India. Saraswat Brahmins are descended from a Brahmin caste mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures as inhabiting the Saraswati River valley the geographic

In Bihar, majority of Brahmins are Kanyakubja Brahmins and Maithil Brahmins with a significant population of Sakaldipi or Shakdweepiya Brahmins. Bihar ( Hindi:बिहार Urdu: بہار bɪhaːr) is a state in eastern India. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Kannauj ( Hindi कन्नौज Urdu: کنوج) also spelt Kanauj, Brahmin ( Brāhmaṇa, sa ब्राह्मणः is the class of educators scholars and preachers in Brahminical Hinduism. Maithil Brahmins ( Brāhamaṇas is the correct Sanskrit term form part of ancient Vedic Brahmins. The Bhumihars have regarded themselves as Brahmins. Bhumihar Brahmin or simply Bhumihar or Bhuinhar is a caste mainly found in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and

In Haryana, the brahmin classified in mainly Dadhich_Brahmin, Gaud brahmin, Khandelwal brahmin. Haryana (हरियाणा Punjabi: ਹਰਿਆਣਾ hərɪjaːɳaː is a state in northern India. The Dadhich Brahmins are a subgroup of Brahmins who are the descendants of Rishi Dadhichi, who is said to have given his bones for making of the Vajra

In Rajasthan, the Brahmins are classified in mainly Dadhich_Brahmin, Gaud Brahmin, Sri Gaud Brahmin, Khandelwal Brahmin, Gujar-Gaud Brahmins. Rājasthān ( Devanāgarī: राजस्थान raːdʒəst̪ʰaːn is the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of area The Dadhich Brahmins are a subgroup of Brahmins who are the descendants of Rishi Dadhichi, who is said to have given his bones for making of the Vajra

In Madhya Pradesh, the Brahmins are classified in mainly Shri Gaud, Sanadya, Gujar-Gaud Brahmins. Madhya Pradesh (abbreviated as MP) ( Hindī: मध्य प्रदेश pronounced, Translation: Middle Province) often Majority of Shri Gaud Brahmins are found in the Malwa region (Indore, Ujjain, Dewas). Indore ( Hindi: इंदौर/इन्दोर, Marathi - इंदूर, the largest city and the commercial capital of the central Indian state of WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Ujjain ( Hindi:उज्जैन (also known as Ujain, Ujjayini, Avanti Dewas (देवासis a town situated on the Malwa plateau in the West-central part of Indian state called Madhya Pradesh.

In Nepal, the hill Brahmins are classified in mainly Upadhaya Brahmin, Jaisi Brahmin and Kumain Brahmins. Nepal (नेपाल) is a Landlocked country in South Asia. Upadhaya Brahmins are supposed to have settled in Nepal long before the other two groups. Majority of hill Brahmins are supposed to be of Khasa origin.

In Sindh, the saraswat brahmins from nasarpur of sindh province are called Nasarpuri Sindh Saraswat Brahmin. Sindh ( Sindhī: سنڌ Urdu: سندھ is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhis. During the India and Pakistan partition migrated to India from sindh province.

Pancha Dravida Brahmins

Panch Dravida (the five classes of Southern India): 1) Andhra, 2) Dravida (Tamil and Kerala), 3) Karnataka, 4) Maharashtra and Konkon, and 5) Gujarat. They originate from north of the (now-extinct) Saraswati River. [11]

In Andhra Pradesh, Brahmins are broadly classified into 2 groups: Vaidika (meaning educated in vedas and performing religious vocations) and Niyogi (performing only secular vocation). Arya Samaj ( Sanskrit ārya samāja sa आर्य समाज " Noble Society" is a Hindu reform movement founded in India Do not politicise --> Niyogis are a sect of Brahmins and are predominantly Telugu speakers They are further divided into several sub-castes. However, majority of the Brahmins, both Vaidika and Niyogi, perform only secular professions. [12]

In Kerala, Brahmins are classified into three groups: Namboothiris, Pottis and Pushpakas. Kerala ( Malayalam: {{Kerala in Malayalam}}; The Nambudiri Brahmins ( Malayalam: ml നമ്പൂതിരി ml-Latn nambũdiri, also transliterated Namputiri, Namboothiri) are the Pushpaka Brahmins are a class of Brahmins in Kerala. The Pushpaka Brahmins show attributes of both the Brahmins and Kshatriyas Hence this caste (Pushpakas are commonly clubbed with Ampalavasi community). The major priestly activities are performed by Namboothiris while the other temple related activities known as Kazhakam are performed by Pushpaka Brahmins and other Ampalavasis. The Nambudiri Brahmins ( Malayalam: ml നമ്പൂതിരി ml-Latn nambũdiri, also transliterated Namputiri, Namboothiri) are the Pushpaka Brahmins are a class of Brahmins in Kerala. The Pushpaka Brahmins show attributes of both the Brahmins and Kshatriyas Hence this caste Sri Adi Shankara was born in Kalady, a village in Kerala, to a Namboothiri Brahmin couple, Shivaguru and Aryamba, and lived for thirty-two years. Adi Shankara ( Malayalam: ആദി ശങ്കരന്‍ Devanāgarī: आदि शङ्कर Ādi Śaṅkara, aːd̪i ɕaŋkərə (see below Kerala ( Malayalam: {{Kerala in Malayalam}}; The Nambudiri Brahmins ( Malayalam: ml നമ്പൂതിരി ml-Latn nambũdiri, also transliterated Namputiri, Namboothiri) are the The Namboothiri Brahmins, Potti Brahmins and Pushpaka Brahmins in Kerala follow the Philosophies of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. Adi Shankara ( Malayalam: ആദി ശങ്കരന്‍ Devanāgarī: आदि शङ्कर Ādi Śaṅkara, aːd̪i ɕaŋkərə (see below The Brahmins who migrated to Kerala from Tamil Nadu are known as Pattar in Kerala. They possess almost same status of Potti Brahmins in Kerala.

In Tamil Nadu, Brahmins belong to 2 major groups: Iyer and Iyengar. Tamil Nadu ( Tamil:, Country of the Tamils, t̪ɐmɨɻ n̪aːɽɯ is one of the 28 states of India. Iyer (aiʝar Tamil: அய்யர் Malayalam:അയ്യര (variously spelt as Iyer, Ayyar, Aiyar, Ayer or Iyengar or Ayyangar ( Tamil:அய்யங்கார் Kannada:ಐಯಂಗಾರ್ is the name given to Hindu Brahmins of Tamil Iyers comprise of Smartha and Saivite Brahmins and are broadly classified into Vadama, Vathima, Brhatcharnam, Ashtasahasram, Sholiyar and Gurukkal. Smartism (or Smarta Sampradaya, Smarta Tradition, as termed in Sanskrit) is a denomination of the Hindu Shaivism, also spelled "Saivism" names the oldest of the four sects of Hinduism. Vadama ( Tamil "Northerners" are a sub-section of the Iyer group of Tamil Brahmins Etymology of the term The term Vadama There are mostly followers of Adi Shankaracharya and form about three-fourths of Tamil Nadu's Brahmin population. Adi Shankara ( Malayalam: ആദി ശങ്കരന്‍ Devanāgarī: आदि शङ्कर Ādi Śaṅkara, aːd̪i ɕaŋkərə (see below Iyengars comprise of Vaishnavite Brahmins and are divided into two sects: Vadagalai and Thengalai. Vaishnavism is a tradition of Hinduism, distinguished from other schools by its worship of Vishnu or its associated avatars principally as Rama and They are mostly followers of Ramanuja and make up the remaining one-fourth of the Tamil Brahmin population. Ramanuja ( traditionally 1017&ndash1137 also known as Ramanujacharya, was a Theologian, Philosopher, and Scriptural Exegete.

In Karnataka, Brahmins belong to 3 major groups: Smarthas, the followers of Sri Adi Shankaracharya, Madhvas (or Vaishnavas) who are the followers of Sri Madhvacharya, and Sri-Vaishnavas (Iyengars), who are the followers of Sri Ramanujacharya and Srimathe Vedanta Desika. Karnataka (ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ pronounced) is a state in the southern part of India Adi Shankara ( Malayalam: ആദി ശങ്കരന്‍ Devanāgarī: आदि शङ्कर Ādi Śaṅkara, aːd̪i ɕaŋkərə (see below For Madhavacharya the Advaita saint see Madhava Vidyaranya. Shri Madhvacharya (ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧ್ವಾಚಾರ್ಯರು Ramanuja ( traditionally 1017&ndash1137 also known as Ramanujacharya, was a Theologian, Philosopher, and Scriptural Exegete. Vedanta Desika (1269 – 1370 is considered the second greatest Sri Vaishnava writer Smartha Brahmins of Karnataka include Hoysala Karnataka, Mysore Iyers, Babboor Kammi, Ulucha Kamme, Babboor Kamme, Sankethi, Badaganadu, Mulukanadu, Sthanika Brahmins, Kota and Havyaka Brahmins

In Maharashtra, Brahmins are classified into four groups: Chitpavan Konkanastha Brahmins, Deshastha Brahmin and Karhade Brahmin, Devrukhe. Smartism (or Smarta Sampradaya, Smarta Tradition, as termed in Sanskrit) is a denomination of the Hindu Hoysala Karnataka Brahmins are one of the prominent communities of Kannada -speaking Smartha Brahmins The Babburkamme (alternate spellings "Bobburukamme", "Babboor Kamme") community is a caste of Smarta Brahmins Badaganadu's are a Brahmin community that mainly reside in Karnataka and now due to the advent of globalization they are spread throughout the world Mulukanadu Brahmins ( Telugu:మూలకారణం బ్రహ్మానందం are a sub-sect of Telugu speaking Vaidiki Smartha Brahmins Sthānika Brāhmins ( Kannada: ಸ್ಥಾನಿಕ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣರು are Smartha Brahmins and come under the classification of Tuluva Brahmins The Maharashtra ( Marathi: mahārāṣṭra, IPA) is a state located on the western coast of India. The Chitpavan, Chitpawan, or Konkanastha Brahmins (कोकणस्थ ब्राम्हण are a Brahmin community of Konkan, the Deshastha Brahmins (देशस्थ ब्राह्मण are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste belonging to the Indo-Aryan ethnic group Population In 1931 the population of Karhades in Ratnagiri Mumbai Thane Pune Satara Solapur Ahmednagar Nasik Khandesh was 22997 see Devrukhe Brahmins - Kuladaiwatas see Devrukhe Brahmins - Original 98 Villages see Devrukhe As the name indicates, Kokanastha Brahmin are from Konkan area. Deshastha Brahmin are from plains of Maharashtra, Karhade Brahmins are perhaps from Karhatak (an ancient region in India that included present day south Maharashtra and northern Karnataka) and Devrukhe brahmins are from Devrukh near Ratnagiri

In Gujarat, Brahmins are classified into Eight groups: Anavil Brahmin, Awadhich Brahmins, Bardai Brahmins, Girinarayan Brahmins, Khedaval, Nagar Brahmins, Shrimali Brahmins and Sidhra-Rudhra Brahmins. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Ratnāgiri ( Marathi:रत्नागिरी is a port city on the Arabian Sea coast Gujarat (ગુજરાત Gujǎrāt, pronounced) is a state in western India. Anavil Brahmin is one of the sub-castes of Brahmin Caste. Anavil Brahmins are from and the majority of them are still located in the area including Bardai Brahmins refers to a group of people whose ancestors originate from the Indian State of Gujarat in the coastal city of Porbandar Khedaval or Khedawal is a leading Brahmin community better known as Baj Khedaval Brahmin Nagar/Kayasth Gujarati Brahmins are believed to be one of the oldest of the Brahmin groups Shrimali Brahamins are believed to have originated from Srimal nagar ( present Bhinmal) in Jalore district in Indian state of Rajasthan. History In Shri Vayu Yukta Shivshanhita,Narmada Mahatmaya(Written by Maharushi Markendey Muni Adhyaya No

Gotras and pravaras

See also: Classification of Brahmins

In general, gotra denotes any person who traces descent in an unbroken male line from a common male ancestor. Brahmin communities in India are traditionally divided into two regional groups Pancha-Gauda Brahmins and Pancha-Dravida Brahmins according For the Wasp Genus, see Gotra (wasp A Gotra is the Lineage Panini defines gotra for grammatical purposes as ' apatyam pautraprabh*rti gotram' (IV. 1. 162), which means 'the word gotra denotes the progeny (of a sage) beginning with the son's son. When a person says ' I am Kashypasa-gotra' he means that he traces his descent from the ancient sage Kashyapa by unbroken male descent. According to the Baudhâyanas'rauta-sûtra Viśvāmitra, Jamadagni, Bharadvâja, Gautama, Atri, Vasishtha, Kashyapa and Agastya are 8 sages; the progeny of these eight sages is declared to be gotras. Brahmarshi Vishvamitra ( Sanskrit sa विश्वामित्र viśvā-mitra "all- friend " is one of the most venerated Jamadagni, ( Hindi: जमदग्नी was one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages Rishi) in the seventh i Bharadwaja (भरद्वाज / भारद्वाज was one of the great sages ( Rishis ' whose accomplishments are detailed in the Puranas. Siddhārtha Gautama ( Sanskrit; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual Teacher from Ancient India and the founder This article is about the sage named Atri See also the Gotra named Atri. Vasistha ( Sanskrit: वसिष्ठ in Hindu mythology was one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages Rishi) in the seventh i This article is about the Hindu sage Kashyapa or Kasyapa See also Kassapa Buddha for information on the ancient buddha and Mahakasyapa information on the disciple In Hinduism, Agastya (अगस्त्य in Devanagari, pronounced /ə gəs tyə/ is a legendary Vedic sage or Rishi. This enumeration of eight primary gotras seems to have been known to Pānini. Pāṇini ( IAST: Pāṇini Dēvanāgarī: sa पाणिनि a Patronymic meaning "descendant of {{IAST|Paṇi}} " was an ancient Any way these gotras are not directly connected to Prajapathy or latter brama. The offspring (apatya) of these eight are gotras and others than these are called ' gotrâvayava '. [13]

The gotras are arranged in groups, e. g. there are according to the Âsvalâyana-srautasûtra four subdivisions of the Vasishtha gana, viz. Upamanyu, Parāshara, Kundina and Vasishtha (other than the first three). Kundina is an ancient Indian city named as part of Kanishka 's territory in the Rabatak inscription. Vasistha ( Sanskrit: वसिष्ठ in Hindu mythology was one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages Rishi) in the seventh i Each of these four again has numerous sub-sections, each being called gotra. So the arrangement is first into ganas, then into pakshas, then into individual gotras. The first has survived in the Bhrigu and Āngirasa gana. Maharishi Bhrigu was one of the seven great sages one of the Saptarshis in ancient India one of many Prajapatis (the facilitators of Creation created by Brahma According to Baud, the principal eight gotras were divided into pakshas. The pravara of Upamanyu is Vasishtha, Bharadvasu, Indrapramada; the pravara of the Parâshara gotra is Vasishtha, Shâktya, Pârâsharya; the pravara of the Kundina gotra is Vasishtha, Maitrâvaruna, Kaundinya and the pravara of Vasishthas other than these three is simply Vasishtha. Vasistha ( Sanskrit: वसिष्ठ in Hindu mythology was one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages Rishi) in the seventh i Vasistha ( Sanskrit: वसिष्ठ in Hindu mythology was one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages Rishi) in the seventh i It is therefore that some define pravara as the group of sages that distinguishes the founder (lit. the starter) of one gotra from another.

There are two kinds of pravaras, 1) sishya-prasishya-rishi-parampara, and 2) putrparampara. Gotrapravaras can be ekarsheya, dwarsheya, triarsheya, pancharsheya, saptarsheya, and up to 19 rishis. Kashyapasa gotra has at least two distinct pravaras in Andhra Pradesh: one with three sages (triarsheya pravara) and the other with seven sages (saptarsheya pravara). This pravara may be either sishya-prasishya-rishi-parampara or putraparampara. When it is sishya-prasishya-rishi-parampara marriage is not acceptable if half or more than half of the rishis are same in both bride and bridegroom gotras. If it is putraparampara, marriage is totally unacceptable even if one rishi matches. [14]

Sects and rishis

Due to the diversity in religious and cultural traditions and practices, and the Vedic schools which they belong to, Brahmins are further divided into various subcastes. During the sutra period, roughly between 1000 BCE to 200 BCE, Brahmins became divided into various Shakhas (branches), based on the adoption of different Vedas and different rescension Vedas. A shakha ( Sanskrit IAST śākhā, literally "branch" or "limb" is a Hindu theological school that specializes in learning "Veda" redirects here For other uses see Veda (disambiguation. Sects for different denominations of the same branch of the Vedas were formed, under the leadership of distinguished teachers among Brahmins.

There are several Brahmin law givers such as Angirasa, Apasthambha, Atri, Brihaspati, Boudhayana, Daksha, Gautam, Harita, Katyayana, Likhita, Manu,[15] Parasara, Samvarta, Shankha, Shatatapa, Ushanasa, Vashishta, Vishnu, Vyasa, Yajnavalkya and Yama. This article is about the sage named Atri See also the Gotra named Atri. Brihaspati (or Brahmanaspati) is the name of a Vedic deity, personification of piety and religion the chief offerer of prayers and sacrifices represented as In Hinduism, Daksha, "the skilled one" is an ancient creator god one of the Prajapatis ref> Narada said Harit ( Harita) Rishi was a Sage of the Lakulish cult and was a devotee of Lord Shiva (Shri Eklingji Kātyāyana (c 3rd century BC was a Sanskrit grammarian, mathematician and Vedic priest who lived in ancient India. Parāśara "crusher destroyer" is the name of several figures in Hindu tradition a son of Vasishtha, or a son of Shakti and Shankha ( Sanskrit: शंख is the divine Conch shell or sea shell which is one of the insignia in the Hindu God Vishnu 's hands Vasistha ( Sanskrit: वसिष्ठ in Hindu mythology was one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages Rishi) in the seventh i For other meanings see Vishnu (disambiguation. Vishnu ( IAST viṣṇu Devanagari विष्णु (honorific Vyāsa ( Devanāgarī: व्यास is a central and revered figure in the majority of Hindu traditions Sage Yajnavalkya ( याज्ञवल्क्य) of Mithila was a legendary sage of Vedic India, credited with the authorship of the This article is about the deity Yama in Hinduism For yama in the sense of a code of conduct see Yamas. These twenty-one rishis were the propounders of Smritis. Smriti (Sanskrit स्मृति " that which is remembered " refers to a specific body of Hindu religious Scripture The oldest among these smritis are Apastamba, Baudhayana, Gautama, and Vasishta Sutras. [16]

Descendants from rishis

Many Indians and non-Indians claim descent from the Vedic Rishis of both Brahmin and non-Brahmin descent. For example the Dash and Nagas are said to be the descendants of Kashyapa Muni, the Gotamas (including Lord Buddha apart from the Gautam Brahmins are said to descendants of Gautama Muni. This article is about the Hindu sage Kashyapa or Kasyapa See also Kassapa Buddha for information on the ancient buddha and Mahakasyapa information on the disciple Siddhārtha Gautama ( Sanskrit; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual Teacher from Ancient India and the founder Gautam (written in Devnagari script as गौतम Brahmins comprise a sub-caste of Brahmins in India. It is also believed that Buddha was a descendant of the Vedic Angirasa Muni. [17] Visvakarmas are the descendants of Pancha Rishis or Brahmarshies. According to Yajurveda and brahmanda purana They are Sanagha ,Sanathana,Abhuvanasa,Prajnasa, Suparnasa. The Kani tribe of South India claim to descend from Agastya Muni. South India is the area encompassing India 's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union In Hinduism, Agastya (अगस्त्य in Devanagari, pronounced /ə gəs tyə/ is a legendary Vedic sage or Rishi.

The Gondhali, Kanet, Bhot, Lohar, Dagi, and Hessis claim to be from Renuka Devi. Renuka or Yellamma is worshiped as the goddess ( Devi) of the fallen in the Hindu pantheon

The Kasi Kapadi Sudras claim to originate from the Brahmin Sukradeva. Their duty was to transfer water to the sacred city of Kashi. [18]

Dadheech Brahmins/dayama brahmin trace their roots from Dadhichi Rishi. The Dadhich Brahmins are a subgroup of Brahmins who are the descendants of Rishi Dadhichi, who is said to have given his bones for making of the Vajra Dadhichi or Dadhicha was a Vedic king Son of Atharvan, who turned into a great Rishi. Many Jats clans claim to descend from Dadhichi Rishi while the Dudi Jats claim to be in the linear of Duda Rishi. Dadhichi or Dadhicha was a Vedic king Son of Atharvan, who turned into a great Rishi. Dudi or Dudee or Duddy or Dhuddy is a Gotra of Jats found in Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and

Lord Buddha of course, was a descendant of Angirasa through Gautama. For other uses see Gotama Gautama Maharishi ( Hindi: गौतम महर्षि is one of the Saptarishis (Seven There too were Kshatiryas of other clans to whom members descend from Angirasa, to fulfill a childless king's wish. [19]

The backward-caste Matangs claim to descend from Matang Muni, who became a Brahmin by his karma. Matanga ( Sanskrit: मतंग literally means an elephant In the Ramayana, Maharishi Matanga was a man who was brought up as a Brahmin

The nomadic tribe of Kerala, the Kakkarissi according to one legend are derived from the mouth of Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu, and came out Brahmin. GARUDA is India's Grid Computing initiative connecting 17 cities across the country [20]

The Sikhwal (also known as Sukhwal or Shringi) Brahmins of Rajasthan claim descent from Ṛṣyaśṛńga.

Brahmins taking up other duties

Brahmins have taken on many professions - from being priests, ascetics and scholars to warriors and businesspeople. Viswa Brahmins (goldsmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters, sculptors and brass workers) are Poursheya Brahmins. They are scattered all over India in various surnames such as Achary,Acharya, Panchal, Vishwakarman, and so on. In Andhra Pradesh (AP), goldsmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters, sculptors and brass workers formed the Viswa Brahmin Sangham for retrieving the vedic phylosophy of viswakarma brahmanism i. e. , the creative work is the supreme way of worshiping the Almighty. Viswa-Brahmins comprise 35 percent of the population in Visakhapatnam-I Assembly constituency, the second largest segment after fishermen in the district. Viswa-Brahmins are nine per cent in AP's population. [21]

There are Viswajna Brahmins[Goldsmiths] in Goa, Kulala brahmin[potters] Nayee Brahmins (barbers) Muslim Brahmins, e. g. , the group known as Hussaini Brahmin are the disciples of Imam Hussian, grandson of the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Hussaini Brahmin ( Urdu: حسینی برﮨمن) are a group sharing Muslim and Hindu religions Ḥusayn ibn ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib ( ar حسين بن علي بن أﺑﻲ طالب)‎ (third of Shaban 4 AH / 8th January 626 AD at Medina IMPORTANT PLEASE READ ##### For all questions relating to the addition of (pbuh peace be upon him or other honorifics (see below for more on these Muslims).

Brahmins with the qualities of Kshatriyas are known as 'Brahmakshatriyas'. An example is the avatara Parshurama who destroyed the entire Haiheyas 21 times. Parashurama a Brahman ( Sanskrit: परशुराम or Parasurama ( Axe-wielding Rama) the sixth Avatar of Vishnu, Not only did Sage Parashurama have warrior skills but he was so powerful that he could even fight without the use of any weapons and trained others to fight without weapons. The Pallavas were an example of Brahmakshatriyas as that is what they called themselves. Origins See also Origin of Pallava The exact origin of the Pallavas is shrouded in mystery King Lalitaditya Muktapida of Kashmir ruled all of India and even Central Asia according to many historians. Lalitaditya Muktapida was the emperor of Kashmir from 724 to 760 under the Karkota dynasty. This article is about the geographical region of greater Kashmir

Today there is a caste, Brahmakhatris, who are a clan of the Khatris, however this is suspicious since Khatris are a business caste/community of Punjab and belong to the Vaishya caste. Khatri ( Punjabi: ਖੱਤਰੀ Hindi: खत्री is the Punjabi language adaptation or pronunciation of Sanskrit word Kshatriya Khatri has often been misinterpreted as a variation of the word Kshatriya, meaning warrior, however there are no records of any Khatri kingdoms or empires in Indian history and this claim to Kshatriya is recently made in the 20th century.

Perhaps the word Brahma-kshatriya refers to a person belonging to the heritage of both castes. [22] However, among the Royal Rajput households, brahmins who became the personal teachers and protectors of the Royal princes rose to the status of Raj-Purohit and taught the princes everything including martial arts. They would also become the keepers of the Royal lineage and its history. They would also be the protectors of the throne in case the regent was orphaned and a minor.

Kshatriyan Brahmin is a term associated with people of both caste's components. [23]

The Suta caste are charioters descended from a Kshatriya father and Brahmin mother. Suta is the name of a class of people mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. [24]

King Rudravarma of Champa (Vietnam) of 657 A. The kingdom of Champa ( Chăm Pa in Vietnamese or Chiêm Thành in Hán Việt records was an Indianized kingdom and controlled what D. was the son of a Brahmin father. [25]

King Jayavarma I of Kambuja (Kampuchea) of 781 A. Jayavarman I is considered by some to be the first king of the Khmer empire, as it evolved out of the Kamboja kingdom (also called Chenla in Chinese D. was a Brahma-kshatriya. [26]

Brahmins with the qualities of a Vaisya or merchant are known as 'Brahmvyasya'. An example of such persons are people of the Ambastha[27] caste, which exist in places like South India and Bengal. They perform medical work - they have from ancient times practiced the Ayurveda and have been Vaidyas (or doctors). Ayurveda ( Devanāgarī: आयुर्वॆद the 'science of life' is a system of Traditional medicine native to India, and practiced in other

Many Pallis of South India claim to be Brahmins (while others claim to be Agnikula Kshatriyas. The Agnivanshi are people belonging to the Agnivansha. According to legend they are descended from Agni, the Hindu God of Fire )[28] Kulaman Pallis are nicknamed by outsiders as Kulaman Brahmans. [29]

Practices

Brahmins adhere to the principles of Brahmanism or Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism, such as acceptance of the Vedas with reverence, adherence to the position that the means or ways to salvation and realization of the ultimate truth are diverse, that God is one, but has innumerable names and forms to chant and worship due to our varied perceptions, cultures and languages. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. "Veda" redirects here For other uses see Veda (disambiguation. God is the principal or sole Deity in Religions and other belief systems that worship one deity. Brahmins believe in Sarvejanāssukhinobhavaṃtu — Let the entire society be happy and prosperous and Vasudhaika kuṭuṃbakaṃ — the whole world is one family. Many Brahmins are reformers. Most Brahmins today practice vegetarianism or lacto-vegetarianism. Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that excludes Meat (including game and slaughter by-products Fish (including Shellfish and other sea A lactovegetarian diet is a vegetarian diet which includes Dairy products such as Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Butter, Cream There are some Brahmins who are non-vegetarians, mainly the Brahmins of cold mountain areas like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Nepal, and coastal areas like Bengal, who are fish eaters. However, even the meat eating Brahmins shun beef in India although some American and Western Brahmins eat beef.

Traditional duties

The six duties of Brahmin are given as per the Sloka

adhyāpanam adhyāyānam
yajanam yajanam tathā
dānam pratigraham caiva
brahmanānāmakalpayāt

Teaching, study (svādhyāya), performing Yajna, make performing Yajna, accept Daana, and give Daana are the six duties of a Brahmin. In Hinduism, Yajna ( Devanagari यज्ञ IAST yajña; also anglicized as Yagna, Yagya or Yadnya Bodhisattva and the Art of Giving The quality of giving is one of the virtues perfected over numerous lifetimes by Shakyamuni Buddha in his Bodhisattva

samodamastapah saucham
kshanthirārjavamevaca
jnanam vijnānamāstikyam
brahmakarma svabhavajam

The Brahmins are expected to have control of their emotions, control of senses, purity, truthfulness, tolerance, simplicity, renounce material wealth and have sustenance from other community, belief in God, and studying and teaching of sacred scriptures.

The daily routine[30] includes performing

The last two named Yajnas are performed in only a few households today. In Hinduism, Yajna ( Devanagari यज्ञ IAST yajña; also anglicized as Yagna, Yagya or Yadnya Brahmacharis perform Agnikaryam instead of Agnihotra or Aupasana. Brahmacharya (brʌmatʃərɪə Devanagari: ब्रह्मचर्य is the first ashram in Vedic culture in which a person is dedicated to the quest for self realization Agnikaryam is the Yajna performed in a loukika agni (worldly fire by Brahmacharis (celibate bachelors Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्र is a Vedic Yajña (ritual or sacrifice performed by Orthodox Hindu communities Aupasana is a Yajna performed on a daily basis by Hindus who have been initiated during Marriage for this The other rituals followed include Amavasya tarpanam and Shraddha. Amavasya is the Indic name for a New moon. The word Amavasya is common to many Indian languages especially Sanskrit, Hindi, Bengali

See also: Nitya karma and Kaamya karma

Samskaras

A young Shivalli Brahmin boy during his Upanayana
A young Shivalli Brahmin boy during his Upanayana
Main article: saṃskāra

Brahmins also perform sixteen major Samskaras (rites) during the course of their lifetime. Nitya karma refers to those karmas (or rituals which have to be performed daily by Hindus Kaamya karmas refer to those Karmas (or rituals in Hinduism which are performed with a specific objective in view Shivalli is a place near Udupi in the state of Karnataka in southern India Upanayana, sometimes known outside India by the name "sacred thread ceremony" is commonly known for being a Hindu rite-of-passage ritual Samskaram ( Sanskrit saṃskāraṃ "accomplishment embellishment consecration" Hindi Sanskar) are Vedic Rites of passage finding [31]

Sampradayas

The three sampradayas (traditions) of Brahmins, especially in South India are the Smarta sampradaya, the Srivaishnava sampradaya and the Madhva sampradaya. In Hinduism, a sampradaya ( IAST sampradāya) can be translated as ‘tradition’ or a ‘religious system’ although the word commands much more respect South India is the area encompassing India 's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union Smartism (or Smarta Sampradaya, Smarta Tradition, as termed in Sanskrit) is a denomination of the Hindu For Madhavacharya the Advaita saint see Madhava Vidyaranya. Shri Madhvacharya (ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧ್ವಾಚಾರ್ಯರು

Vaishnavism

Srivaishnava sampradaya and the Madhva sampradaya are the two major Vaishnavite sects. For Madhavacharya the Advaita saint see Madhava Vidyaranya. Shri Madhvacharya (ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧ್ವಾಚಾರ್ಯರು From these two were influenced several other Vaishnavite sects such as the Ramananda Sampraday, and Ramdassi Sampraday. Ramananda ( 1400 ?- 1470 ? was a Vaishnava Sant, a Ramayat, a devotee of Lord Ram. The chief propounder of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya was Ramanuja while Madhava was the founder of the Madhav Sampraday. Ramanuja ( traditionally 1017&ndash1137 also known as Ramanujacharya, was a Theologian, Philosopher, and Scriptural Exegete. The Pushtimarg Sampraday, founded by Vallabh Acharya is yet another sect influenced by the other two major Vaishnavite sect. Pushtimarg (The Path Of Grace is a Sect of the Hindu religion founded by Shrimad Vallabhacharya (known as Mahaprabhuji

Vaishnavism included many sect such as the Swaminarayan Sampraday.

There are many members of the Swaminarayan Sampraday founded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, born as Ghanshyam Pande a Vaishnavite Brahmin of present-day Uttar Pradesh. Swaminarayan Sampraday ( Devnagari: सवमिनारायन सम्प्रदय Gujarati: સ્વમિનારાયન સમ્પ્રદય He later settled in Gujarat, wherein the highest density of sampraday members live. This is a Vaishnavite sect. This sect was founded in the latter part of the 18th century.

There is also the Varkari Sampraday, which worships Sri Krishna as "Vithal". The Varkari (वारकरी tradition is a part of the Bhakti spiritual tradition of Hinduism, particularly in the Indian states of Maharashtra And Krishna (कृष्ण in Devanagari kṛṣṇa in IAST, ˈkr̩ʂɳə in classical Sanskrit is a deity worshiped across many traditions of Hinduism Vithoba ( Marathi: Viṭhobā विठोबा) also known as Vitthala ( Sanskrit: Viṭṭhala विठ्ठल Kannada: Viṭṭala The word "Varkari" means travelers because members of this sect travel from their home towns on a pilgrimage to Pandharpur, almost always on foot! Important saints of this movement were the Brahmins Dnyaneshwar, Muktabai as well as several non-Brahmin icons. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Pandharpur is an important pilgrimage city on the Bhimā river in Solāpur district, Sant Jñāneshwar / Sant Dnyāneshwar (1275-1296 ( ज्ञानेश्वर in Marathi) (also known as Jñanadeva - ज्ञानदेव

There is also the Mahanubhava sampraday founded by King Cakradhara, known popularly to members as Sri Chakradhar Swami, in the 12th century. The Mahanubhava sect of western India was started by Sri Chakradhar Swami in 1267. The members of this sect worship Lord Vishnu in His five forms; Lord Krishna, Lord Sri Dattatreya, Lord Sri Chakrapani, Lord Sri Govindaprabhu, and Lord Cakradhara (the founder Himself).

Shaivism

The Shaiva Brahmins have important icons such as, Basava Swami of Karnataka, Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar or Tamil Nadu, and Lakulisa of Gujarat. Basava (also known as Basaveshwara (ಬಸವೇಶ್ವರ or Basavanna (ಬಸವಣ್ಣ 1134 &ndash 1196) was a philosopher and a

Other sects

There are additional sampradayas as well which are not as widely followed as the rest.

The Mahima Dharma or "Satya Mahima Alekha Dharma" was founded by the Brahmin Mukanda Das of present-day Orissa, popularly know by followers as Mahima Swami according to the Bhima Bhoi text. The Mahima Dharma ( Sanskrit: Glorious Religion) is a Hindu sect primarily prevalent in Orissa and Chhattisgarh. Satya Mahima Dharma (the "dharma of the divine glory" is a religious tradition in Hinduism, from Orissa. [32] He was born in the last part of 18th century in Baudh ex-state as a son of Ananta Mishra. He was Brahmin by caste as mentioned in Mahima Vinod of Bhima Bhoi in Vol. 11. This sampradaya is similar to Vaishnavism. Although the members of this sect do not worship Lord Vishnu as their Ishta-Deva, they believe that the Srimad Bhagavatam is sacred. For other meanings see Vishnu (disambiguation. Vishnu ( IAST viṣṇu Devanagari विष्णु (honorific Within Hinduism, an Ishta-deva or Ishta devata (Sanskrit iṣṭa-deva(tā, literally "cherished divinity " from iṣṭa The Bhagavata Purana (also known as Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, or simply Bhāgavatam) is one of the Puranic texts of Hindu literature The founder of this sect was a Vaishnavite before founding the new order. [33] This sampradaya was founded in the latter part of the 18th century. [34]

There is also the Avadhoot Panth, wherein Lord Dattertaya and his forms such as Narasimha Saraswati and Sai Baba of Shirdi are worshiped. Avadhuta (अवधूत avadhūta) is a term from the Dharmic Religions of India referring to a somewhat eccentric type of mystic Dattatreya (दत्तात्रेय is considered by Hindus to be god who is an incarnation of the Divine Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. Shri Narasimha Saraswati नरसिहसरस्वती (Nrusimha Saraswati is considered the second Avatar of Shri Dattatreya. Sai Baba of Shirdi (d October 15, 1918) also known as Shirdi Sai Baba was an Indian Guru, Yogi and Fakir Lord Dattatreya is worshiped by many as the Hindu trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in one divine entity. Brahma is the Hindu god ( deva) of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. For other meanings see Vishnu (disambiguation. Vishnu ( IAST viṣṇu Devanagari विष्णु (honorific Shiva:(pronunciation; Sanskrit: शिव Śiva, lit "Auspicious one" One of the Trimurtis Shiva is the supreme God in the Shaiva Many even worship Dattatreya as an avatar of Vishnu or of Shiva. Avatar or Avatara (अवतार IAST Avatāra) is often inaccurately translated into English as incarnation Shiva:(pronunciation; Sanskrit: शिव Śiva, lit "Auspicious one" One of the Trimurtis Shiva is the supreme God in the Shaiva

Brahmins in Buddhism

Brahmins feature extensively in Buddhist canonical texts i. e. the Tripitaka, and are found among the chief disciples of the Buddha. The Tripiṭaka ( Sanskrit; Devanagari: त्रिपिटक lit The Brahmana Varga (section on Brahmins) contained in the Dharmapada lists down the Buddha's views on Brahmins[35]

Brahmin bhikshus

Brahmin Bodhisattvas

Aryadeva (successor of Nagarjuna) Asangha (from Hinayana sect and Peshwar city founded the Yogacarya and established the Classical age of Buddhism)

Scriptures dedicated to Brahmin bhikkus

Because of the aim of the Brahmins, and the Buddha following on their path, several Buddhist texts have been dedicated to them. Dignāga ( fl 5th century) was an Indian scholar and one of the Buddhist founders of Indian logic. Harit ( Harita) Rishi was a Sage of the Lakulish cult and was a devotee of Lord Shiva (Shri Eklingji Kumārajīva; (also Kiu-kiu-lo, Kiu-mo-lo-che, Kiu-mo-to-tche-po, Tang-cheu) (b Ashoka ( Devanāgarī: अशोकः IAST: Aśokaḥ, aɕoːkə(hə Prakrit Imperial title Devanampriya Priyadarsi Nāgasena was a Buddhist sage who lived about 150 BCE. His answers to questions about Buddhism posed by Menander I ( Pali: Milinda the Śāriputra ( Sanskrit: शारिपुत्र or Sāriputta ( Pāli) was one of two principal disciples of The Buddha. Shantideva (sometimes Śantideva Zh 寂天 was an 8th-century Indian Buddhist scholar at Nalanda University and an adherent of the Prasangika Śāntarakṣita ( Devanagari: शान्तरक्षित was a renowned 8th Century Indian Buddhist Pandit and abbot of Nalanda University WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Vanavasi is a Panchayat town in Salem district in the Indian state of Nāgasena was a Buddhist sage who lived about 150 BCE. His answers to questions about Buddhism posed by Menander I ( Pali: Milinda the Biography Contemporary accounts There are two known extant accounts written by contemporaries of Bodhidharma Acharya Nāgārjuna ( Telugu: నాగార్జున (c 150 - 250 CE) was an Indian philosopher the founder of the Madhyamaka Vasubandhu ( fl 4th c was according to Mahayana Buddhist tradition an Indian Buddhist scholar-monk and along with his half-brother Asanga Dignāga ( fl 5th century) was an Indian scholar and one of the Buddhist founders of Indian logic. Dharmakirti ( ca 7th century was an Indian scholar and one of the Buddhist founders of Indian philosophical logic. Bhadantācariya Buddhaghosa was a 5th century Indian Theravadin Buddhist commentator and scholar Maitreya ( Sanskrit) or Metteyya ( Pāli) is a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology. Padmasambhava () The Lotus Born, is said to have transmitted Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet in the 8th century. [53]

In kingdoms

There have been Brahmin Buddhists too in Buddhist kingdoms.

Brahmins in Jainism

In kingdoms

Contributions to modern India

Brahmins have immensely contributed to the making of modern India and to the world in fields such as literature, science and technology, politics, culture, and religion. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country

Brahmins traditionally played an extraordinary role in the spread of knowledge, sustaining the culture and revitalizing the Indian society for millennia. Recently, in the freedom movement and national reformation movements they proved their mettle by playing their traditional role as usual. Brahmins' contribution in fighting against the British imperialism was immense.

Their role and participation was great in various legislative bodies. During the Indian independence movement, many Brahmins, including Nana Sahib, Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, Tatya Tope, Chandrashekar Azad, Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, Balgangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Rajguru, Ramprasad Bismil, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, C. Rajagopalachari, Gobind Ballabh Pant, Kamalapati Tripathi, Ravishankar Shukla, Kailashnath Katju, Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Motilal Nehru, DP Misra, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, to name just a few, were at the forefront of the struggle for freedom and later Indian politics. The term " Indian independence movement " is diffuse incorporating various national and regional campaigns agitations and efforts of both Nonviolent and Militant Nana Sahib (born 1824 born as Dhondu Pant, was an Indian leader during the rebellion of 1857. Lakshmibai The Rani of Jhansi (c 1828 – 17 June 1858) ( Hindi - झाँसी की रानी Marathi Ram Chandra Pandurang Tope (1814 - 1859 also known as Tatya Tope (pronounced Toh-pey was an Indian leader in the Indian Mutiny of 1857. Chandrashekhar Sitaram Tiwari, better known as Chandrasekhar Azad ( Hindi: चंद्रशेखर आज़ाद Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak (बाळ गंगाधर टिळक ( July 23 1856 - August 1 1920) was an Indian nationalist Gopal Krishna Gokhale, CIE ( गोपाल कृष्‍ण गोखले) ( May 9, 1866 - February 19, 1915) was one of Shivaram Hari Rajguru ( Hindi / Marathi:शिवराम हरि राजगुरु ( August 24, 1908 - March 23, 1931 Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil ( Urdu: پنڈت رام پراساد بسمل, Hindi: पंडित Vināyak Dāmodar Sāvarkar (विनायक दामोदर सावरकर (born May 28, 1883 in Bhagur – February 26, Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari (Tamil சக்ரவர்த்தி ராஜகோபாலாச்சாரி ( December 10, 1878 - December 25, Bharat Ratna Govind Ballabh Pant ( September 10, 1887 - March 7, 1961) was a statesman of India an Indian independence activist and Kamalapati Tripathi was a senior Indian National Congress leader from Varanasi. Pt Ravishankar Shukla (b 1877 Sagar Madhya Pradesh; d 31 Dec 1956 Delhi)Veteran Congressman Freedom Fighter Premier of CP & Dr Kailash Nath Katju (1887-1968 was a prominent Politician of India. Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru (1875&ndash1949 was an eminent lawyer political and social leader in India during the British Raj. Motilal Nehru ( May 6, 1861 – February 6, 1931) was an early Indian independence activist and leader of the Indian National Congress Syama Prasad Mookerjee (or Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, শ্যামা প্রসাদ মুখার্জী ( thumb|right|200px|An Indian postage stamp featuring Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India and Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, the first Vice President of India, were also Brahmins. Jawaharlal Nehru (जवाहरलाल नेहरू ʤəʋäɦəɾläl nɛɦɾu (14 November 1889 27 May 1964 was a major political leader of the Congress Party The Prime Minister of India is head of the Council of Ministers, appointed by the President to assist the latter in the administration of the affairs of the executive Sir Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, OM ( Telugu:సర్వేపల్లి రాధాకృష్ణ Tamil:சர்வேபள்ளி Even veteran Communist leaders like Manabendra Nath Roy, E.M.S. Namboodiripad, Hiren Mukherjee, S. Manabendra Nath Roy (Bengali: মানবেন্দ্র নাথ রায় 1887 – January 25 Elamkulam Manakkal Sankaran Namboodiripad, ( Malayalam: ഏലങ്കുളം മനക്കല്‍ ശങ്കരന്‍ നമ്പൂതിരിപ്പാട് M. Dange and many others were Brahmins.

Other Brahmins who became prime ministers of India are Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai, P.V. Narasimha Rao and Atal Behari Vajpayee. Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi ( Indirā Priyadarśinī Gāndhī) ( Née: Nehru (19 November 1917 - 31 October 1984 was the Prime Minister of the Morarji Ranchhodji Desai ( मोरारजी देसाई) (29 February 1896 &ndash 10 Pamulaparthi Venkata Narasimha Rao (పాములపర్తి వెంకట నరసింహారావు (28 June 1921 &ndash 23 December 2004 was the 12th Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी əʈəl bɪhaːɾiː ʋaːdʒpeiː (born December 25 1924 The eleventh Prime Minister of India.

Among the great Brahmin scholars and writers are Panini, Patanjali,Kalidas, Chanakya,Banabhatta,Goswami Tulsidas, Sur Das, Saint Dnyaneshwar, Eknath, Samarth Ramdas. Patañjali ( Devanāgarī पतञ्जलि (fl 150 BCE or 2nd c "Kalidasa" redirects here For the true bug Genus, see Kalidasa (insect. Chanakya Sanskrit: चाणक्य Cāṇakya) (c 350-283 BC was an adviser and a Prime minister to the first Maurya Emperor Bāṇabhaṭṭa, also known as Bāṇa, was a Sanskrit scholar of 7th century India. Gosvāmī Tulsīdās (1532-1623 Devanāgarī: तुलसीदास may be written as Tulasī Dāsa depending on if the name is transcribed Surdas (1479-1586 was a Hindu devotional poet singer and a saint ( sant) who followed the Shuddhadvaita school of Brahmavada Sant Jñāneshwar / Sant Dnyāneshwar (1275-1296 ( ज्ञानेश्वर in Marathi) (also known as Jñanadeva - ज्ञानदेव Eknāth (1533-1599 was a prominent Marāthi religious poet in the Hindu tradition in India. Rāmdās ( Devanagari: रामदास (1608-1681 was a prominent Marāthi (मराठी religious poet in the Hindu tradition in Mahārāshtra Nobel laureates Rabindranath Tagore and and others like Jiddu Krishnamurthy, Hazariprasad Dwivedi,Sumitranandan Pant,Subramanya Bharathy, Tarashankar Bandopadhyay, Suryakant Tripathi Nirala, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Srilal Shukla and Manohar Shyam Joshi. Jiddu Krishnamurti ( Telugu: జిడ్డు కృష్ణ మూర్తి or J ' Acharya' Hazari Prasad Dwivedi (हजारी प्रसाद द्विवेदी ( August 19, 1907 1979 was a Hindi Novelist, literary Sumitranandan Pant (सुमित्रानन्‍दन पंत ( May 20[[ 900]] December 28, 1977) was one of the most famous modern Subramania Bharati (சுப்ரமணிய பாரதி ( December 11, 1882 - September 11, 1921) was a Tamil poet from Tamil Nadu Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay ( Bengali তারাশংকর বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় 23 July 1898 - 14 September 1971 Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala' (सूर्यकांत त्रिपाठी 'निराला' ( January 22, 1896 October 15, 1961 Sharat Chandra Chatterji ( Bangla: শরৎচন্দ্র চট্টোপাধ্যায় Shôrotchôndro Chôţţopaddhae) also known Bankim Chandra Chatterjee ( 27 June[[ 838]] - 8 April[[ 894]] (বঙ্কিম চন্দ্র চট্টোপাধ্যায় Bôngkim Shrilal Shukla (श्रीलाल शुक्‍ल (born December 31, 1925, Uttar Pradesh) is a Hindi writer notable for his satire Manohar Shyam Joshi (1933 - 2006 (Hindi मनोहर जोशी was a Hindi writer journalist and scriptwriter most well known as the writer of Indian television's Other great Brahmin scholars include Pandurang Vaman Kane, Ram Sharan Sharma and Debiprasad Chattopadhyaya,

Great Brahmin scientists include Aryabhatta, Varahamihira, Brahmagupta, Nobel Laureates Sir C.V.Raman and his nephew Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, the agricultural scientist M. S. Swaminathan, the ethno-sociologist MN Srinivas and the modern genius of mathematics Srinivasa Ramanujan, Shakuntala Devi and C. P. Ramanujam. Dr Pandurang Vaman Kane (pronounced Kaa-nay) (डॉ पांडुरंग वामन काणे (1880-1972 was a notable Indologist and Ram Sharan Sharma (born 1919 is Emeritus Professor, Department of History Patna University and an eminenthistorian of Ancient India. Debiprasad Chattopadhyaya ( November 19, 1918 - May 8, 1993) was an eminent Bengali Marxist Philosopher Āryabhaṭa ( Devanāgarī: आर्यभट (AD 476 &ndash 550 is the first in the line of great mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics Daivajna Varāhamihira ( Devanagari: वराहमिहिर 505 &ndash 587 also called Varaha or Mihira was an Indian Astronomer, Mathematician Brahmagupta ( (598–668 was an Indian mathematician and astronomer. This is a list of Nobel Prize Laureates awarded for their outstanding contributions to Humanitarian causes for Peace, work in Literature Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, FRS (சந்திரசேகர வெங்கடராமன ( 7 November 1888 &ndash 21 November Padma Vibhushan Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, FRS ( Tamil: சுப்பிரமணியன் சந்திரசேகர் English ˌtʃʌndrəˈʃeɪkɑr( Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan (மான்கொம்பு சாம்பசிவன் சுவாமிநாதன் is an Indian agriculture scientist Shakuntala Devi (Kannada ಶಕುಂತಲಾ ದೇವಿ is a Calculating prodigy who was born on November 4, 1939 in Bangalore, India Chakravarthi Padmanabhan Ramanujam ( January 9, 1938 – October 27, 1974) was an Indian Mathematician who worked in Raja Ramanna, who was instrumental in making India a nuclear weapons state, was also a Brahmin. Raja Ramanna ( Tamil: ராஜா ராமண்ணா) ( Kannada: ರಾಜಾ ರಾಮಣ್ಣ)( 1925 - September 23, 2004

In the field of sports there's a long list of names in cricket - Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Ishant Sharma and many more; the world chess champion Vishwanathan Anand. Sunil Manohar Gavaskar ( Marathi:सुनिल मनोहर गावसकर (born 10 July 1949 in Bombay, Maharashtra) nicknamed Sunny Ravishankar Jayadritha Shastri ( Kannada / Tulu:ರವಿಶಂಕರ ಜಯದ್ರಥ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರೀ) (born 27 May 1962 in Bombay, India Sourav Chandidas Ganguly (সৌরভ গাঙ্গুলী ( (born 8 July 1972 is an Indian Cricketer and former former captain of the Indian national Rahul Sharad Dravid ( Kannada:ರಾಹುಲ್ ಶರದ್ ದ್ರಾವಿಡ Marathi:राहुल शरद द्रविड) (b Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman (born November 1 1974 in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) better known as VVS Laxman, is an Indian cricketer Anil Kumble (ಅನಿಲ್ ಕುಂಬ್ಳೆ (born 17 October 1970 in Bangalore, Karnataka) is an Indian Cricketer He is a right-arm Ishant Sharma (born 2 September 1988 in Delhi, India is an Indian Cricketer, more specifically a right arm fast bowler at pace around 145 Km/h Viswanathan Anand (ʋiɕˈʋəˌnɑˌt̪ʰən ɑnˌənd̪ விசுவநாதன் ஆனந்த் (born December 11, 1969) is an Indian

In entertainment, there's the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, Hrishikesh Mukherji, Basu Chatterji,Ashok Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Abhijeet, Alka Yagnik, Madhuri Dixit and many more. Lata Mangeshkar (लता मंगेशकर born September 28, 1929) لتا منگیشکر is a singer from India. Sanjay Ashok Kumar ( Hindi: अशोक कुमार Urdu: اَشوک کُمار ( October 13, 1911 &ndash December 10, Kishore Kumar ( Hindi: किशोर कुमार ( August 4, 1929 &ndash October 13, 1987) was an Indian film Alka Yagnik (अल्का यागनिक (born March 20 1966 in Calcutta, West Bengal, India) is an Indian singer Madhuri Dixit Madhuri Dixit ( Marathi: माधुरी दीक्षित (born Madhuri Shankar Dixit on May 15, 1967) Tansen, the immortal musician of Akbar's court was born a Brahmin. Tansen or Miyan Tansen or Ramtanu Pandey (1493 or 1506 &ndash 1586 or 1589 is considered among the greatest composer-musicians in Hindustani classical music Akbar redirects here For other uses see Akbar (disambiguation Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar ( Jalāl ud-Dīn Muhammad Akbar Anupam Kher, Mausumi Chatterji, Chunki Pande, Hema Malini are also Brahmins.

In classical music, there's the legendary Bhimsen Joshi. Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi (ಪಂಡಿತ ಭೀಮಸೇನ ಗುರುರಾಜ ಜೋಷಿ born February 4 1922 is a renowned Hindustani classical Vocalist

See also

Notes

  1. ^ For definition of the noun ब्राह्मणः brāhmaṇaḥ as "1. Varna (sa वर्ण varṇa) is a Sanskrit term derived from the root meaning "to enclose" Brahmin communities in India are traditionally divided into two regional groups Pancha-Gauda Brahmins and Pancha-Dravida Brahmins according Bhumihar Brahmin or simply Bhumihar or Bhuinhar is a caste mainly found in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Maithil Brahmins ( Brāhamaṇas is the correct Sanskrit term form part of ancient Vedic Brahmins. " Forward class " is used in India generally to denote communities and Castes from any religion who do not currently qualify for Government of India Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (May 21 1921 &ndash October 21 1990 also known by his spiritual name Shrii Shrii Anandamurti, was an Indian philosopher author social Bramins Main article Brahmin The Sanskrit word Brāhmaṇa denotes priestly class (varṇa and caste (tribe A man belonging to the first of the four classes (varṇas instead of castes in Apte's Skt-Hindi dictionary) of the Hindus, a Brāhmaṇa(priest) (born from the mouth of the Purusha)"; and the adjective ब्राह्मण brāhmaṇa as "a. 1. Belonging to a Brāhmaṇa", and other meanings, see: Apte 1965, p.  707 ,Apte 1966, p.  724-25 ; on p. 901 of the latter, Apte gave one of the meanings of varṇa as caste but qualified it with a statement :"mainly people of four varṇas of brāhmaṇa (scholars,priests), kṣatriya (warriors), vaiśya (merchants), śudra (artisans)", and did not permit use of the term varṇa for any caste other than these four.
  2. ^ For definition of ब्राह्मण brāhmaṇa, with last syllable showing a Vedic accent, used as a noun as "m. (having to do with Brahman or divine knowledge), one learned in the Veda, theologian, priest, Brāhman, man of the first four castes"; and definition of ब्राह्मण brāhmaṇa, with only first syllable showing a Vedic accent, used as an adjective as "a. (i) belonging to a Brāhman, Brāhmanic", see: Macdonell 1924, p.  199.
  3. ^ For definition of brāhmaṇa, with last syllable showing Vedic accents, as a noun, "m. , one who has divine knowledge, a Brāhman. a man belonging to the 1st of the 3 twice-born classes and of the 4 original divisions of the Hindū body", and the adjective brāhmaṇa, with first syllable showing a Vedic accent, as "relating to or given by a Brāhman, befitting or becoming a Br. , Brāhmanical", see: Monier-Williams, p. 741, middle column. Cf. Rgveda, Pune Edition, vol-5 (index), p. 408 in which all occurrences of brāhmaṇa as first person singular show anudātta (absence of accent) on first two syllables.
  4. ^ For definition of the neuter noun brahman (with Vedic accent on first syllable) as "n. the class of men who are the repositories and communicators of sacred knowledge, the Bramānical caste as a body (rarely an individual Brāhman)"; and the masuline noun brahman (with Vedic accent on final syllable) as "one who prays, a devout or religious man, a Brāhman who is a knower of Vedic texts or spells, one versed in sacred knowledge", see: MW, pp. 737-738.
  5. ^ Monier-Williams : inspired, inwardly stirred, wise, learned, etc. Sir Monier Monier-Williams (1819&ndash1899 studied documented and taught Asian languages in England, and compiled one of the most widely-used Sanskrit
  6. ^ 'Dvija was used more frequently for Brahmins, but it also included Kṣatriyas and Vaiśyas who were "reborn through investiture with the sacred thread" - Monier-Williams. Sir Monier Monier-Williams (1819&ndash1899 studied documented and taught Asian languages in England, and compiled one of the most widely-used Sanskrit
  7. ^ A detailed article on Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation[1]
  8. ^ Brāhmanotpatti Martanda, cf. Dorilal Sharma, p. 41-42
  9. ^ A detailed article on various castes and groups of Brahmins at www. vedah. net[2]
  10. ^ P. 849 Gujarat State Gazetteers By Gujarat (India), 1984
  11. ^ P. 849 Gujarat State Gazetteers By Gujarat (India), 1984
  12. ^ A detailed article on Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh at Vepachedu Educational Foundation[3]
  13. ^ A detailed article on Gotras of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation[4]
  14. ^ A detailed article on Gotras and pravaras of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation [5]
  15. ^ Manu Smriti on learning of the Vedas
  16. ^ A detailed article on various sects and rishis of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation [6]
  17. ^ The Life of Buddha as Legend and History, by Edward Joseph Thomas
  18. ^ (Bhanu, B. V. , P. 948, People of India)
  19. ^ P. 17 Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History and Literature By John Dowson
  20. ^ (P. 227 History of Indian Theatre By Manohar Laxman Varadpande)
  21. ^ [7] and [8]
  22. ^ P. 201, Professor A. L. Basham, My Guruji and Problems and Perspectives of Ancient . . . By Sachindra Kumar Maity
  23. ^ P. 29 Cultural History from the Matsyapurāṇa By Sureshachandra Govindlal Kantawala
  24. ^ P. 587 Agni Purāṇam By Manmatha Nath Dutt
  25. ^ P. 201, Professor A. L. Basham, My Guruji and Problems and Perspectives of Ancient . . . By Sachindra Kumar Maity
  26. ^ P. 201, Professor A. L. Basham, My Guruji and Problems and Perspectives of Ancient . . . By Sachindra Kumar Maity
  27. ^ P. 37 Asian Medical Systems: A Comparative Study By Charles Leslie
  28. ^ P. 13 Castes And Tribes Of Southern India By Edgar Thurston, K. Rangachari
  29. ^ P. 13 Castes And Tribes Of Southern India By Edgar Thurston, K. Rangachari
  30. ^ A day in the life of a Brahmin
  31. ^ The Forty Samskaras
  32. ^ "Mahima Dharma, Bhima Bhoi and Biswanathbaba"
  33. ^ "Mahima Dharma, Bhima Bhoi and Biswanathbaba"
  34. ^ "Mahima Dharma, Bhima Bhoi and Biswanathbaba"
  35. ^ Brahmanavagga - The Holy Man
  36. ^ http://www.catmando.com/casinosnepal/july/buddhist.htm Mahabouddha temple
  37. ^ http://www.luxlapis.co.za/arahats.htm Arhants
  38. ^ arahats
  39. ^ arahats
  40. ^ Contents
  41. ^ From the Caves and Jungles of Hindustan Chapter III
  42. ^ Glossary from The Great Image - RangjungYesheWiki
  43. ^ Manjushri
  44. ^ Babad Gumi
  45. ^ arahats
  46. ^ Dog
  47. ^ A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms, by Fa-hsien (chapter27)
  48. ^ shambhala.com
  49. ^ A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms, by Fa-hsien (chapter27)
  50. ^ Keith Dowman / Dzogchen Masters
  51. ^ Nagasena presented in Non Famous section
  52. ^ arahats
  53. ^ Web Page Under Construction
  54. ^ http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/Mar272005/ac2.asp
  55. ^ Peoples of Art
  56. ^ P. 21 Jaina-rūpa-maṇḍana =: Jaina Iconography By Umakant Premanand Shah

References

External links

Dictionary

brahmin

-noun

  1. a Hindu priestly caste; one of the four varnas or social groups based on occupation in ancient Hindu society
  2. one who has realized or attempts to realize Brahman, i.e. God or supreme knowledge
  3. scholar, teacher, priest, intellectual, researcher, scientist, knowledge-seeker, or knowledge worker
  4. social and cultural elite, especially in the New England region of the USA
  5. a learned person of refined taste and mild manners

-adjective

  1. of or relating to the caste of brahmins
  2. scholarly
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