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Pushpaka Brahmins, commonly known as Ambalavasi Brahmins, is a caste of Semi-Brahmins in Kerala. They are Brahmins who carry on the various activities of the temple,though not the actual ceremonies. The Ambalavasis were the people who conducted the ceremonies for the lower castes on behalf of the Namboothiri priest. Ambalavasis lived on the income of the temple and were under its care. Hinduism {Sanskrit - HindÅ« Dharma, also known as SanÄtana (eternal) Dharma and Vaidika (of the Vedas) Dharma} is the religion based on the Vedas as well as other traditional scriptures and beliefs. ...
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Hinduism (सनातन धरà¥à¤®; also known as SanÄtana Dharma, and Vaidika-Dharma) is a worldwide religious tradition that is based on the revealed knowledge of the Veda and the direct descendant of the Vedic religion. ...
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Hinduism encompasses many movements and schools fairly organized within Hindu denominations. ...
Hindu mythology is a term used by modern scholarship for a large body of Indian literature that details the lives and times of legendary personalities, deities and divine incarnations on earth interspersed with often large sections of philosophical and ethical discourse. ...
Hindu philosophy (one of the main divisions of Indian philosophy) is traditionally seen through the prism of six different systems (called darshanas in Sanskrit) that are listed here and make up the main belief systems of Hinduism. ...
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Karma is a concept in Hinduism, based on the Vedas and Upanishads, which explains causality through a system where beneficial events are derived from past beneficial actions and harmful events from past harmful actions, creating a system of actions and reactions throughout a persons reincarnated lives. ...
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Dharma (Sanskrit धरà¥à¤®) or Dhamma (PÄli) means Natural Law or Reality, and with respect to its significance for spirituality and religion might be considered the Way of the Higher Truths. ...
Yoga is a family of ancient Hindu spiritual practices that originated in India, where it remains a vibrant living tradition and is seen as a means to enlightenment. ...
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Artha is a Sanskrit term referring to the idea of material prosperity. ...
Hindu scripture is overwhelmingly written in Sanskrit. ...
The Upanishads (उपनिषद्, Upanişad) are part of the Hindu Shruti scriptures which primarily discuss meditation and philosophy and are seen as religious instructions by most schools of Hinduism. ...
The Vedas (Sanskrit वेद) are a corpus of ancient Indo-Aryan religious literature associated with the Vedic civilisation and are considered by adherents of Hinduism to be revealed knowledge. ...
The Brahmana (Sanskrit बà¥à¤°à¤¾à¤¹à¥à¤®à¤£) are part of the Hindu Shruti; They are composed in Vedic Sanskrit, and the period of their composition is sometimes referred to as the Brahmanic period or age (approximately between 900 BC and 500 BC). ...
Bhagavad Gīta भगवद्गीता, composed ca the fifth - second centuries BC, is part of the epic poem Mahabharata, located in the Bhisma-Parva chapters 23–40. ...
The RÄmÄyaņa (Sanskrit: रामायण (a sandhi form of rÄma-ayana = march or journey (Ä€yana) of RÄma) is part of the Hindu smriti, written by Valmiki. ...
The Mahabharata (Devanagari: महाà¤à¤¾à¤°à¤¤, phonetically MahÄbhÄrata - see note), is one of the three major ancient Sanskrit epics of India, the others being the Ramayana and the Bhagavatam. ...
The Puranas are part of Hindu Smriti; these religious scriptures discuss devotion and mythology. ...
The Aranyakas (Sanskrit आरणà¥à¤¯à¤•, Forest Books, Forest Treatises) are part of the Hindu Shruti; these religious scriptures are sometimes argued to be part of either the Brahmanas or Upanishads. ...
The Shikshapatri is a text of two hundred and twelve verses, and was written by Shree Swaminarayan, a reforming Hindu from the Vaishnava tradition, who lived in Gujarat from 1781-1830 and who was recognised by his followers as a deity during his lifetime. ...
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The percentage of Hindu population of each country was taken from the US State Departments International Religious Freedom Report 2004. ...
These are some of the most noteworthy Gurus and Saints of Hinduism: Shankara Ramanuja Amritanandamayi Paramahansa Yogananda Madhvacharya Raghavendra Swami Ramakrishna Vivekananda Sree Narayana Guru Aurobindo Ramana Maharshi Sivananda Chinmayananda Yogaswami Sivaya Subramuniyaswami Swaminarayan Shriram Sharma Acharya A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Satya Sai Baba Shirdi Sai Baba Bhakti Vaibhava...
The Gopuram of temples, in south India, are adorned with colourful icons depicting a particular story surrounding the temples deity. ...
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In Tibet, many Buddhists carve mantras into rocks as a form of devotion. ...
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The Nataraja is one of the most famous images of Lord Shiva Murtis (singular Murti, also spelled Murthi or Murthy) refers to deities or images used by Hindus and also by some Mahayana Buddhists during worship as points of devotional and meditational focus. ...
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The Namboothiris (Malayalam :നമàµà´ªàµ‚തിരി)are the Brahmins of Kerala. ...
The Pushpaka Brahmins encompasses surnames like Unni, Nambeesan, Ilayathu, Muttatu, Warrier, Marayar (Marar), Poduval, Pisharody, Nambidi, Kurukkal, Chakyar, Nambiar etc .Each set of people carried out certain jobs. For instance the Warriers made the garlands, Marayars were the ceremonial musicians, Unnis were teachers, etc. Of these the Unnis and Nambeesans belong to the Viswamitra Gotram which adheres to the 'Gayatri' mantra. The Pisharodys belong the the Vaikuntha Gotram. Warriers and Marayars belong to the Kailasa Gotram which adheres to the 'Maha-Namah-Shivaya' mantra. Ilayathu, Muttatu,Nambidi, Unni and Nambeesan wear the sacred thread "Yajñopaveetam"(Poonool). Most of the remaining Ambalavasi castes donot wear the sacred thread. Ambalavasi women were generally, other than the caste based titles, addressed as Brahmanis Unni is a sub-group of Pushpaka Brahmins (also known as Ambalavasi Brahmins) which comes under the Pancha-Dravida regional group of Brahmins. ...
Nambeesan is a sub-caste of Pushpaka Brahmins. ...
Variars are a group of people who belong to the Ambalavasi community of Brahmins. ...
The Marars belong to the Ambalavasi sect of Brahmins, who are engaged to assist the Namboodiri priests in the temples. ...
Pisharody (also spelled Pisharodi, Pisharoty, or Pisharoti) are a community of people of Hindu background, originally from Kerala, India. ...
Chakyar is a caste from Kerala state of south India. ...
Nambiar (Nambiyar,Nambier) is a title of a Kshatriya caste from the Malabar in North Kerala and also of a much smaller group of members of the Ambalavasi Brahmin caste, Nambiars are second highest Kshatriya sub-caste, second to the Rajah (King) like the Unnithans of South Kerala or Travancore. ...
Variars are a group of people who belong to the Ambalavasi community of Brahmins. ...
The Marars belong to the Ambalavasi sect of Brahmins, who are engaged to assist the Namboodiri priests in the temples. ...
Unni is a sub-group of Pushpaka Brahmins (also known as Ambalavasi Brahmins) which comes under the Pancha-Dravida regional group of Brahmins. ...
Unni is a sub-group of Pushpaka Brahmins (also known as Ambalavasi Brahmins) which comes under the Pancha-Dravida regional group of Brahmins. ...
Nambeesan is a sub-caste of Pushpaka Brahmins. ...
Brahmarishi Viswamitra or Vishwamitra (Sanskrit: विशà¥à¤µà¤®à¤¿à¤¤à¥à¤°, viá¹£vamitra) is one of the most venerated sages of Hinduism. ...
A gotra (lit. ...
Gayatri (gÄyatrÄ« Sanskrit: गायतà¥à¤°à¥€) is the feminine form of gÄyatra, a Sanskrit word for a song or a hymn. ...
Pisharody (also spelled Pisharodi, Pisharoty, or Pisharoti) are a community of people of Hindu background, originally from Kerala, India. ...
Vaikunta is the abode of Lord Vishnu, one of the Trimurti Hindu Gods. ...
A gotra (lit. ...
Variars are a group of people who belong to the Ambalavasi community of Brahmins. ...
The Marars belong to the Ambalavasi sect of Brahmins, who are engaged to assist the Namboodiri priests in the temples. ...
Kailasa (also called Kailash) is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva by Hindus, and is a pilgrimage site. ...
A gotra (lit. ...
Upanayanam perhaps better known outside India by the name Thread ceremony, is a Hindu rite-of-passage ritual. ...
In Hinduism, Brahmani is a kind and benevolent mother goddess, and an aspect of Devi. ...
Pushpaka Brahmins were temple employees but they were not aristocratic as the Nambootiris. In the past they resided within the temples in their quarters and were sustained by the temple. They were simple people who lived at the benevolence of the temple. The Ambalavasis were used to marrying into the priestly Namboodiri caste in the past. They were matriarchal and so the children of a Namboodiri and Ambalavasi lady would belong to the Ambalavasi caste. The Namboothiris are the Brahmins of Kerala. ...
Other than their services in the temple the Ambalavasis were the priests for the lower castes as well. Moosad (Muttatu), Elayatu(Ilayathu), Nambidi and Nambeesans conducted the various religious sacrifices for the Nairs, though not in the temples while the Marayars conducted the birth, wedding and death ceremonies of lower Nair subcastes in Travancore. Elayatu is the traditional purohit (priest) of Nayars who conduct the after-death rites for them in Malabar. Nambeesan is a sub-caste of Pushpaka Brahmins. ...
The Marars belong to the Ambalavasi sect of Brahmins, who are engaged to assist the Namboodiri priests in the temples. ...
Nair or Nayar (Malayalam: നായ൪) is the name of a martial nobility in the South Indian state of Kerala. ...
Origin As per the famous Parasurama myth, the warrior sage Bhargava Rama (Parasurama) is said to have brought a group of Brahmins to Kerala of which 64 families were allowed to conduct the ceremonies in the temples. They became the Namboothiris. The remaining families of Brahmins became their assistants and were not allowed inside the Sree Kovil or main shrine of the temple. They came to known as Pushpaka Brahmins as their work was associated maily with flowers. Since they resided in the premises of temple, they also came to known as Ambalavasis. Bhargava Rama was a Brahmin warrior in the lineage of Bhrigus. ...
In Hinduism, Parashurama (axe-wielding Rama) is the sixth avatar of Vishnu, and a son of Jamadagni. ...
The Namboothiris (Malayalam :നമàµà´ªàµ‚തിരി)are the Brahmins of Kerala. ...
The Pushpaka Brahmins lived within the temple premises managing the various affairs (other than the ceremonies in Sree Kovil) of the temple. Their work was socially very respectable.
Classification The Pushpaka Brahmins show attributes of both the Brahmins and Kshatriyas. As per the caste system of Kerala they were the caste between the Brahmins and Kshatriyas. While most of them donot wear the sacred thread of Brahmins and follow the matriarchal system like the Nairs and Kshatriyas, they learn Sanskrit, Shlokas, Mantras etc and do priestly duties for lower castes. This was the reason why they were called an intermediate caste between Brahmins and Kshatriyas.Besides unlike the Nairs they all have Gotras. This caste is found only in Kerala. Besides all foreign travellers in Kerala classed the Pushpaka Brahmins (Ambalavasis) with the Foreign Brahmins like Kokanastha Brahmins, Iyers etc while making records. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...
Kshatriya is the title of the military order within the Hindu varna system. ...
Sanskrit ( संसà¥à¤•à¥ƒà¤¤à¤®à¥ ; pronunciation: ) is an Indo-European classical language of India and a liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. ...
Nair or Nayar (Malayalam: നായ൪) is the name of a martial nobility in the South Indian state of Kerala. ...
A gotra (lit. ...
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Subcastes Pushpaka Brahmins (Ambalavasis) include various subcastes within itself. Each subcaste claims to be greater than the other but historically speaking they all had more or less equal status. The Ambalavasis can be broadly classified into the Thread wearing Ambalavasis and Non Thread wearing Ambalavasis. The Former includes Nambeesan, Nambidi, Moosad, Elayathu, Unni, Chakyar etc. Under the latter group come the [Variar|Warrier]], Marayar, Pisharody, Poduval etc. Wearing the thread doesnt mean that the former is a greater caste. For instance it was the job of the Moosad to clean the outer courtyard of the temple. However it was the job of the Warrier who didnot wear the thread to clean the more important, inner sanctum. It can be said that Moosad headed the threaded while Pisharody headed the non threaded Ambalavasis. Nambeesan is a sub-caste of Pushpaka Brahmins. ...
Unni is a sub-group of Pushpaka Brahmins (also known as Ambalavasi Brahmins) which comes under the Pancha-Dravida regional group of Brahmins. ...
Chakyar is a caste from Kerala state of south India. ...
The Marars belong to the Ambalavasi sect of Brahmins, who are engaged to assist the Namboodiri priests in the temples. ...
Pisharody (also spelled Pisharodi, Pisharoty, or Pisharoti) are a community of people of Hindu background, originally from Kerala, India. ...
Variars are a group of people who belong to the Ambalavasi community of Brahmins. ...
Pisharody (also spelled Pisharodi, Pisharoty, or Pisharoti) are a community of people of Hindu background, originally from Kerala, India. ...
Customs Most of the Pushpaka Brhamins used to follow complex rituals in connection with major events in a person’s life like pregnancy, birth of a child, education, marriage and death.
Pumsavanam
A ritual connected with third month of pregnancy. If it is the first pregnancy, it can be in the forth month also. The pregnant women consume one head of barley and two beads of black grain along with a little curd accompanied by religious chanting. (Among Nayars and Ezhavas the ceremony is known as 'Pulikudi' a customary rite of drinking the juice of sour fruits by women during the first pregnancy)
Seemantam
This sacrament is performed in the fourth month of pregnancy (only in the case of first pregnancy). Seemantam is conducted for the protection of the mother at the critical period of gestation. If the child is still born, this has to be prepared during the next pregnancy.
Jātakarmam
It is meant for the development of the intellect of the child. When a male child is born, the ritual connected with birth is performed immediately (within 90 Naazhika). A small portion of a mixture of gold, ghee and honey is given to the new born infannt.
Nāmakaranam (Perideel)
Naming the child. It is done on the12th day after the birth of the child. Father calls the name of the child in his right ear three times. At this time, the surname ‘Sharma’ is used with the name of the child. If the child is female the surname used is Da, not sharma. Then the mother takes the child by calling him (her) without surname. (Among the Nayars, Ezhavas this ritual is done on the 28th day.) Sharma is one of the most common Brahmin surnames in India. ...
Nishkramanam (Vathilpurappadu)
Taking the child from the house into the open. The child is usually taken out only in the 4th month.
Annaprāsam (Chorunu)
It is the day on which the first morsel of food is given to the child. It takes place in the sixth month. This is an important ritual among all sections of Hindus. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
Vidyārambham (Ezhuthiniruthu)
This is done either when the child attains three or five years. On the tongue of the child the letters "Hari Sri Ganapataye Namah Avignamastu "and all the alphabets are written with a piece of gold. The child is made to write the same letters from "Hari Sri" onwards with its ring finger on raw rice in a bell metal vessel and the child is made to utter each word when it is written. Either the father of the child or an eminent teacher officiates at this ritual.
Choodakaranam (Choulam)
In the third year or fifth year of the child, the hair is cut leaving behind, a tuft of hair known as 'Kutuma'. (Nowadays this ritual is not practiced.)
Karnavedham (Kaathukuthu)
Piercing the ears. This is done with a particular thorn. Butter is applied to the wound. It is applicable to both male and female children. (In the modern age, this is done only for female children.)
Upanayanam Upanayanam perhaps better known outside India by the name Thread ceremony, is a Hindu rite-of-passage ritual. ...
When the child attains eight years, the wearing of the sacred thread “Yajñopaveetam”, is ceremoniously done. This is only in the case of the boys. It is taking the child to the teacher for initiation of formal education. Along the sacred thread, the hide of the antelope called Krishnajinam is also worn by the boy. [This ritual is not practiced by some sub-casts of Pushpaka Brahmins such as Warriers, Pisharody, Kurukkal etc.]
Praishartham
Learning of Vedas and Upanishads in‘Gurukulam’ or ‘Patasala’. In the beginning of each academic period there is a ceremony called Upakarma and at the end of each academic period there is another ceremony called Upasarjana.
Samāvartanam (Snanam) Samavartanam refers to the ceremony performed after the completion of the brahmacharis stay in the Gurukul. ...
The ceremony associated with the end of formal education of Vedas in ‘Gurukulam’ or ‘Patasala’
'Rithusuddhi'
This is a ceremony associated with a girl’s first menses.
Vivaham – Marriage
Nishekam – First sexual intercourse. In the night of 4th day after marriage.
Samskaram – Rituals associated with Cremation.
Sanchayanam – A function performed in the 4th day, after funeral.
Pindam – A function performed in the 11th day after funeral.
Sapindi
Bali
Ambalavasi Dominance In Kerala till 1812 all the land was under the Namboothiris. Many of the Nairs were their tenants. The act passed by the British Dewan of Travancore, Colonel Munro, in 1812 called the Pattom act ended this tenantship and all the lands held by a family became theirs. Following this when Sanketams or regions where the Namboodiris autonomously ruled, were banned, the Ambalavasis who were sustained by the temple gained land as well. All the land owned by the temple was divided among the Ambalavasi families living in the premises. It was since then, 1812 that the Ambalavasi caste started dominating the various scenes of social and political life in Kerala. The Namboothiris (Malayalam :നമàµà´ªàµ‚തിരി)are the Brahmins of Kerala. ...
Nair or Nayar (Malayalam: നായ൪) is the name of a martial nobility in the South Indian state of Kerala. ...
See also Sree Pushpaka Seva Sangham “Satyam Param Dheemahi†Sree Pushpaka Seva Sangham works for the integration of Pushpaka Brahmins. ...
Pushpakadhwani “Satyam Param Dheemahi†Pushpakadhwani is a monthly publication of Pushpaka Brahmins. ...
List of Ambalavasi Families The Ambalavasis were classed into various subcastes. ...
Prominent Pushpakas
 The Ganga is considered as the most sacred river by Hindus Ikkanda Warrier was the first Prime Minister of the then independent state of Kochi, India. ...
Kunjan Nambiar was a Malayalam poet. ...
Ottamthullal is a type of performing arts from Kerala, India. ...
K. Karunakaran (born July 5, 1918) is a veteran Congress party leader, freedom fighter, trade unionist, and former Chief Minister of Kerala, India. ...
Manju Warrier (born on November 1, 1978) is an Indian actress specialising in Malayalam cinema. ...
Divya Unni is a female actor in Malayalam and Tamil language films. ...
Kuttikrishna Marar is one of the best essayists of the time. ...
Mani Madhava Chakyar ( 1899 - 1990 ) Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar ( 15 February 1899 - 14 January 1990) was a performance artist and Sanskrit scholar from Kerala, South India, considered to be the greatest Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam artist and authority of modern times. ...
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Koodiyattam Koodiyattam is a traditional performing artform from Kerala, India. ...
Download high resolution version (890x868, 24 KB)I, John Hill, took this photo myself in 1973. ...
Download high resolution version (890x868, 24 KB)I, John Hill, took this photo myself in 1973. ...
External links - Ambalavasi Group
- Variars Website
- Pisharody site
- Ambalavasi Matrimonial
- Basic information on Marar caste
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