Valluvar ( ) is a caste
belonging to the Hindu community in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu
. They are the hereditary priests, preaching
and practicing Astrology, Astromomy 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. The
exalted position of Valluvars in the social hierarchy during those
times is indicated by inscriptions which refer to Valluvars in a
respectful manner. Moreover, the Tamil saint
Thiruvalluvar is believed to have been a
member of this community and there is a subsect of Valluvars
claiming descent from him.
An independent community
Though Valluvars were regarded as a low income and minority group,
but maintained uniqueness among hindu community by caste Hindus,
Thurston mentions that Valluvars did not eat with Paraiyars.
Valluvar houses were generally located at a significant distance
away from the
parcheri where they lived. Owing to their
occupation as priests, all males over twelve wore the sacred
thread. The Valluvars were also noted for their abstinence from
beef.
The Valluvars are also called Pandaram or Valluva Pandaram. The
priests of the Valluvars are sometimes called Vellala
Pandaram.
Sub-Sects
The important sub-sects of Valluvans are Paraiyan, Tavidadari and
Tiruvalluvan. Valluvars are broadly classified into two main
sub-divisions: Arupadhu Katchi or sixty clans and Narpadhu Katchi
or forty clans
The Arupadhu Katchi considered themselves the descendants of Nandi
Gurukkal and have his name as their gotra. The Narpadhu Katchi are
of the gotra Sidambara Sayichya Ayyamgar. The sub-division alvar
claim descent from Tiruppan Alvar.
Practices
Valluvars follow both
Saivism and
Vaishnavism. Saivite and Vaishnavite Valluvars
dine together, but not intermarry.A particular class of Valluvars
officiated as priest at Paraiyar funerals.This particular class of
Valluvars was known as Paraiya Tadas and were regarded as inferior
by other sections of Valluvars. Another section of Valluvars wear a
necklace of
tulsi beads and are known
as Alvar Dasari or Tavadadhari. Some hold that the true Valluvan is
one who practices astrology and that those who officiate as priests
aren't true Valluvars. The affairs if the commmunity are handled by
a caste-council.The community is headed by a
Kolkaran or a
Kanakkan. There are the hereditary astrologers of the
Indian temple town of
Vaithiswaran
Koil and are considered experts in
Nadi
astrology.
The Valluvars generally officiate in local marriages and funerals.
During such occasions, Valluvar priests used to chant Sanskrit
shlokas.
Prominent individuals
See also
Notes
- Castes and Tribes of
Southern India, Pg 303
- Castes and Tribes of
Southern India, Pg 304
- Castes and Tribes of
Southern India, Pg 310
- Castes and Tribes of
Southern India, Pg 310
- Castes and Tribes of
Southern India, Pg 305
- Castes and Tribes of
Southern India, Pg 306
References
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