Padmashali
Padmashali (Telugu: పద్మశాలి భార్గవ బ్రాహ్మణుల సమాజం) or Padma Bramhana is a Hindu caste of Bramhin origin who are predominantly found in South Indian states. Padmashali Bhargava Brahmins are Rugvedi Brahmins. The community members are descendants of Markandeya Rishi. They engage as Brahmin priests for performing all rites and rituals and also perform priestly temple services for other castes.
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 90,00,000[1] (estimated) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, [[Tamil Nadu] | |
| Languages | |
| Telugu | |
| Religion | |
 Hinduism |
Origin
The term Padmashali is derived from two words: padma and shali. Padma means lotus and Shali means weaver.[2] They support their Sanskrit origin with various myths and Puranas such as Kulapurana and Markandeya Purana.[3]
The Padmashalis claim to be descendants from Bhrigu Rishi and Markandeya Rishi, Markandeya's son, Bhavana Rishi.[4]
Padmashalis Today
The Padmashalis divided into two groups based on Sampradaya, being the Shaivas and the Vaishnavas and they worship both Shiva and Vishnu.[3]
Although Padmashalis are related to Brahmins, they are considered a backward (OBC) caste by the Indian government while forward caste in some states.[5] The community is highly Sanskritised, with all men wearing the sacred thread and performing brahminical rituals. Similar to North Indian Brahmin castes, their origin relates to sages via gothras.[6]
The Padmashalis perform Brahmin rites and even today a group who are qualified as agama shastra pandits perform the poojas and vedic rites. These are identified as Padma Brahmins.[6]
References
- ↑ Padmashali Bhargava Brahmins Community population[dead link]
- ↑ The Indian Textile Journal. Business Press. 1984. p. 63.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Swarnalatha, P. (2005). The World of the Weaver in Northern Coromandel, C.1750-c.1850. Orient Blackswan. pp. 31–41. ISBN 9788125028680.
- ↑ Journal of Indian Textile History. Calico Museum of Textiles. 1955. p. 56.
- ↑ "Padmashali". Archived from the original on 2013-05-12. Retrieved 2013-02-24.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Dubai: Shettygars of Mangalore Form 'Padmashali UAE'". www.daijiworld.com. Retrieved 2019-08-14.
Other websites
- Padmashali Network, Global Archived 2013-06-22 at the Wayback Machine
- Padmashali International Welfare Association, Vijayawada
- POPA - Padmashali Officials and Professionals Association Archived 2017-09-14 at the Wayback Machine
- World Padmashali Foundation
- Padmashali Samaj Seva Sangh - an informational portal for Padmashalis Archived 2013-06-21 at the Wayback Machine
- Karnataka Padmashali Sangha Archived 2013-06-01 at the Wayback Machine
- Weavers Welfare Trust Archived 2013-02-24 at the Wayback Machine
- Nirmal Padmashali Sanstha Archived 2015-08-01 at the Wayback Machine
- Akhil Padmashali Samaj Archived 2013-05-20 at the Wayback Machine
- Padmashali Graduates and Students Association Archived 2013-03-02 at the Wayback Machine
- Telangana Padmashali Udyogula Sangam
- North American Padmashali Association
- Padmashali Archived 2021-01-31 at the Wayback Machine