Valluvar (caste)

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This article is about Valluvar (caste). For Thiruvalluvar, see Thiruvalluvar.

Valluvar (Tamil: வள்ளுவர்) வள்ளுவர் are the hereditary priests preaching and practicing astrology, astronomy and medicine in Tamil Nadu.

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.

An independent community[]

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[]

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[]

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 and are considered experts in Nadi astrology.[6][7]


Notes[]

  1. ^ Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 303
  2. ^ a b c Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 310
  3. ^ a b c d Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 305
  4. ^ a b c d Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 306
  5. ^ a b Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 304
  6. ^ Raghavan, M. "Turning over old leaves". The Sunday India. Retrieved 20 September 2008.
  7. ^ B. Pandian, Thomas (1895). Slaves of the Soil in Southern India. University of Michigan. p. 24.

References[]

  • Thurston, Edgar; K. Rangachari (1909). Castes and Tribes of Southern India Volume VII. Madras: Government Press.
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