Valluvar (caste)
Template:Short description Template:Pp Script error: No such module "about". Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use Indian English Valluvar is a caste associated with the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They are the hereditary priests of the Pallars and Paraiyars of Tamil Nadu.[1][2][3][4][5]
Origin
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.[6] Moreover, the Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar is believed to have been a member of this community[7] and there is a subsect of Valluvars claiming descent from him.[6][3][4] The Valluvars are also called Pandaram or Valluva Pandaram.[8] The priests of the Valluvars are sometimes called Vellala Pandaram, Thiruvalluva Nayanar.[8]
Culture and practices
Owing to their occupation as priests, all males over twelve wore the sacred thread.[8] The Valluvars were also noted for their abstinence from beef.[8]
Valluvars were an untouchable caste.[9][10][11]
Valluvars follow both Saivism and Vaishnavism. Saivite and Vaishnavite Valluvars dine together, but not intermarry.[6] A particular class of Valluvars officiated as priest at Paraiyar funerals.[6] This particular class of Valluvars was known as Paraiya Tadas and were regarded as inferior by other sections of Valluvars.[6] Another section of Valluvars wear a necklace of tulsi beads and are known as Alvar Dasari or Tavadadhari.[6] The affairs of the community are handled by a caste-council.[12] The community is headed by a Kolkaran or a Kanakkan.[12] There are the hereditary astrologers of the Indian temple town of Vaithiswaran Koil and are considered experts in Nadi astrology.[13][14]
The Valluvars generally officiate in Paraiyar marriages[14] and funerals. During such occasions, Valluvar priests used to chant Sanskrit shlokas.[14]
Notable people
References
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- ↑ a b Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 303
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- ↑ a b c d e f Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 304
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- ↑ a b c d Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 310
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- ↑ a b Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 306
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Further reading
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