Brahmin

The Brahmin castes may be broadly divided into two regional groups: Pancha-Gauda Brahmins
and Pancha-Dravida Brahmins as per the shloka, however this sloka is from Rajatarangini of
Kalhana which is composed only in 11th CE and many communities find their traces from sages
mentioned in much older Vedas and puranas.
5 ,
5 7H
Translation: Karnataka(Kannada), Telugu (Andhra), Dravida (Tamil and Kerala), Maharashtra and
Gujarat are Five Southern (Panch Dravida). Saraswata, Kanyakubja, Gauda, Utkala(Orissa),
Maithili are Five Northern (Pancha Gauda). This classification occurs in Rajatarangini of Kalhana
and is mentioned by Jogendra Nath Bhattacharya in "Hindu Castes and Sects."
[22]

Pancha Gauda Brahmins
Pancha Gauda (the five classes of Northern India): (1) Saraswat,(2) Kanyakubja, (3)Maithil
Brahmins (4) Gauda brahmins (including Sanadhyas)) (5)Utkala Brahmins . In addition, for the
purpose of giving an account of Northern Brahmins each of the provinces must be considered
separately, such as, Kashmir, Nepal, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Kurukshetra, Rajputana, Uttar
Pradesh, Ayodhya (Oudh); in modern Pakistani regions such as Punjab, Sindh, and the North-West
Frontier Province; Central India, Trihoot, Bihar, Orissa, Bengal, Assam, etc. The originate from
south of the (now-extinct) Saraswati River.
[23]

In Bihar, majority of Brahmins are Kanyakubja Brahmins, Bhumihar Brahmins and Maithil
Brahmins with a significant population of Sakaldiwiya or Shakdwipi Brahmins. The Bhumihar
Brahmins, of whom many, though not all, belong to the Saryupareen Brahmin division of
Kanyakubja Brahmins.
[24]
Therefore, there is a lot of brotherhood among these Brahmin sub-castes
and Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi and Dr. Hazari Prasad Dwivedi have mentioned it in their
writings.
[25]
On the Jijhoutia clan of Bhumihar Brahmins (eg. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati),
William Crooke writes, "A branch of the Kanaujia Brahmins (Kanyakubja Brahmins) who take
their name from the country of Jajakshuku, which is mentioned in the Madanpur inscription."
[26]

In the 19th and 20th national convention of Kanyakubja Brahmins by Kanyakubja Mahati Sabha,
in 1926 and 1927 respectively, it reiterated Bhumihar Brahmins to be Kanyakubja Brahmins and
appealed for unity among Kanyakubja Brahmins whose different branches included Sanadhya,
Pahadi, Jujhoutia, Saryupareen, Chattisgadhi, Bhumihar and different Bengali Brahmins.
[27]

With the decline of Mughal Empire, in the area of south of Avadh, in the fertile rive-rain rice
growing areas of Benares, Gorakhpur, Deoria, Ghazipur, Ballia and Bihar and on the fringes of
Bengal, it was the 'military' or Bhumihar Brahmins who strengthened their sway.
[28]
The distinctive
'caste' identity of Bhumihar Brahman emerged largely through military service, and then
confirmed by the forms of continuous 'social spending' which defined a man and his kin as
superior and lordly.
[29]
In 19th century, many of the Bhumihar Brahmins were zamindars.
[30]
Of the
67000 Hindus in the Bengal Army in 1842, 28000 were identified as Rajputs and 25000 as
Brahmins, a category that included Bhumihar Brahmins.
[31]
The Brahmin presence in the Bengal
Army was reduced in the late nineteenth century because of their perceived primary role as
mutineers in the Mutiny of 1857
[32]
, led by Mangal Pandey. The Kingdom of Kashi belonged to
Bhumihar Brahmins and big zamindaris like Bettiah Raj, Hathwa Raj and Tekari Raj belonged to
them.
In Gujarat,the Brahmin are classified in mainly Nagar Brahmin, Unewal Brahmin, Khedaval
Brahmin, Aavdhich Brahmin and Shrimali Brahmin.
In Haryana, the Brahmin are classified in mainly Dadhich_Brahmin, Gaud Brahmin, Khandelwal
Brahmin. But large proportion of Brahmin in Haryana are Gaud(about 90%). Approximately all
Brahmin in west U P are adi gaur.
In Madhya Pradesh, the Brahmins are classified in mainly Shri Gaud, Sanadhya brahmin, Gujar-
Gaud Brahmins. Majority of Shri Gaud Brahmins are found in the Malwa region (Indore, Ujjain,
Dewas). Eastern MP has dense population of Sarayuparain Brahmins. Hoshangabad and Harda
Distt. of MP have a considerable population of Jujhotia (a clan of Bhumihar Brahmins, eg. Swami
Sahajanand Saraswati) and Naremdev Brahmins.
In Nepal, the hill Brahmins are classified in mainly Upadhaya Brahmin, Jaisi Brahmin and Kumain
Brahmins. Upadhaya Brahmins are supposed to have settled in Nepal long before the other two
groups. Majority of hill Brahmins are supposed to be of Khasa origin.
In Punjab, they are classified as Saraswat Brahmins.
In Karnataka, Brahmins are mainly classified into Havyaka speaking Havigannada, Babbur
Kamme, Hoysala Karnataka speaking kannada, Shivalli and Kota speaking Tulu, Karahada
speaking Marathi and have their own tradition and culture.
Utkala Brahmins, also known as Oriya or Orissa Brahmins, are a Jati (caste) who live mainly in the
Indian state of Orissa & neighbouring states of Chhatishgarh,Northern Andhra Pradesh,West
Bengal & Jharkhand. They constitute farthest branch of the Panch-Gauda in the east, south of
Maithila(present day Bihar).Utkala Brahmins are mainly classified into Utkala Kulina
Brahmins,Utkala Aranyaka Brahmins,Utkala Halua Brahmins,Utkala Panda Brahmins.
In Rajasthan, the Brahmins are classified in mainly Dadhich_Brahmin, Gaur Brahmin,Sanadhya
brahmins, Rajpurohit / Purohit Brahmins, Sri Gaur Brahmin, Khandelwal Brahmin, Gujar-Gaur
Brahmins. Rajpurohit / Purohit Brahmins are mainly found in Marwar & Godwad region of
Rajasthan. Rajpurohit a Title bestowed upon those learned Brahmins, who use to perform the
rituals and rites for the rulers of some kingdoms. In the course of their service to the kingdom,
according to ancient traditions, the king use to award a few villages or land known as Sasan Jagir
within his kingdom to their Rajpurohits. These villages or land were considered to be free from
any ruler, and were outside the ambit of any form of tax. Shakdwipiya Brahmins are also found at
many places in rajasthan they are the major pujari in many temples of western rajasthan. In Sindh,
the saraswat Brahmins from Nasarpur of Sindh province are called Nasarpuri Sindh Saraswat
Brahmin. During the India and Pakistan partition migrated to India from sindh province.
In Uttar Pradesh from west to east: Sanadhya, Gauda & Tyagi (western UP), Kanyakubja( Central
UP), Sarayuparin (Central Uttar Pradesh,Eastern, NE,& SE UP), Bhumihar (Varanasi and other
parts of eastern U.P.) and Maithil(Varanasi), the South western UP, i.e. Bundelkhand has thick
population of Jujhotia brahmins(branch of Kanyakubja brahmins:ref. Between History &
Legend:Power & Status in Bundelkhand by Ravindra K Jain). On the Jijhoutia clan of Bhumihar
Brahmins, William Crooke writes, "A branch of the Kanaujia Brahmins (Kanyakubja Brahmins)
who take their name from the country of Jajakshuku, which is mentioned in the Madanpur
inscription."
[33]
Mathure or mathuria Brahmins 'choubeys' are limited to Mathura area.
In West Bengal the Brahmins are classified in Barendra & Rarhi corresponding to the ancient
Barendrabhumi(North Bengal) and Rarhdesh(South Bengal) making present day Bangladesh &
West Bengal. It is also said that Barendras are traditional Brahmins who practiced the art of
medicinal science and surgury rather than the traditional function of being the teacher or the priest,
and so many a times they are not considered true brahmins by the Rarhis, although they are their
own offshoots.
The traditional accounts of the origin of Bengali Brahmins are given in texts termed Kulagranthas
(e.g., Kuladpk), composed around the 17th century. They mention a ruler named dira who
invited five Brahmins from Kanyakubja [7], so that he could conduct a yaja, because he could not
find Vedic experts locally. Traditional texts mention that dira was ancestor of Balll Sena from
maternal side and five Brahmins had been invited in AD 1077. Historians have located a ruler
named dira ruling in north Bihar, but not in Bengal. But Balll Sena and his predecessors ruled
over both Bengal and Mithila (i.e., North Bihar). It is unlikely that the Brahmins from Knyakubja
may have been invited to Mithila for performing a yaja, because Mithila was a strong base of
Brahmins since Vedic age. Another account mentions a king Shyamal Varma who invited five
Brahmins from Knyakubja who became the progenitors of the Vaidika Brahmins. A third account
refers to five Brahmins being the ancestors of Vrendra Brahmins as well. From similarity of titles
(e.g., updhyya), the first account is most probable.
Besides these two major community there are also Utkal Brahmins, having migrated from present
Orissa and Vaidik Brahmins, having migrated from Western and Northern India.
Pancha Dravida Brahmins
Panch Dravida (the five classes of Southern India): 1) Andhra, 2) Dravida (Tamil and Kerala), 3)
Karnataka, 4) Maharashtra and Konkon, and 5) Gujarat. They originate from north of the (now-
extinct) Saraswati River.
[23]

In Andhra Pradesh, Brahmins are broadly classified into 2 groups: Vaidika (meaning educated in
vedas and performing religious vocations) and Niyogi (performing only secular vocation). They
are further divided into several sub-castes. However, majority of the Brahmins, both Vaidika and
Niyogi, perform only secular professions.
[34]

In Karnataka, Brahmins are broadly classified into 2 groups: Madhwa (followers of Shri
Madhwacharya) and Smartha (followers of Shri Adi Sankaracharya). They are further divided into
several sub-castes. Other than these groups, there are other brahmin communities viz, Havyaka,
Kota, Shivalli, Saraswata etc.
In Kerala, Brahmins are classified into three groups: Namboothiris, Pottis and Pushpaka. The
major priestly activities are performed by Namboothiris while the other temple related activities
known as Kazhakam are performed by Pushpaka Brahmins and other Ampalavasis. Sri Adi
Shankara was born in Kalady, a village in Kerala, to a Namboothiri Brahmin couple, Shivaguru
and Aryamba, and lived for thirty-two years. The Namboothiri Brahmins, Potti Brahmins and
Pushpaka Brahmins in Kerala follow the Philosophies of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. Nagariks are the
common name for north indian immigrant brahmins The Brahmins who migrated to Kerala from
Tamil Nadu are known as Pattar in Kerala. They possess almost same status of Potti Brahmins in
Kerala.
In Tamil Nadu, Brahmins belong to 2 major groups: Iyer and Iyengar. Iyers comprise of Smartha
and Saivite Brahmins and are broadly classified into Vadama, Vathima, Brhatcharnam,
Ashtasahasram, Sholiyar and Gurukkal. There are mostly followers of Adi Shankaracharya and
form about three-fourths of Tamil Nadu's Brahmin population. Iyengars comprise of Vaishnavite
Brahmins and are divided into two sects: Vadakalai and Thenkalai. They are mostly followers of
Ramanuja and make up the remaining one-fourth of the Tamil Brahmin population.
In Maharashtra, Brahmins are classified into five groups: Chitpavan Konkanastha Brahmins, Gaud
Saraswat Brahmin, Deshastha Brahmin, Karhade Brahmin, and Devrukhe. As the name indicates,
Kokanastha Brahmin are from Konkan area. Gaud Saraswat Brahmins are from Konkan region or
they may come from Goa or Karnataka, Deshastha Brahmin are from plains of Maharashtra,
Karhade Brahmins are perhaps from Karhatak (an ancient region in India that included present day
south Maharashtra and northern Karnataka) and Devrukhe Brahmins are from Devrukh near
Ratnagiri.
In Madhya Pradesh the descendents of Somnath temple priests, Naramdev Brahmin, Who migrated
from Gujrat to Madhyapradesh after the Mohd. Ghazni notorious forays in saurashtra and
desacration of Somnath, and sedenterized along the coast of Narmada river hence derived their
name ie Narmdiya brahmin or Naramdevs. Guru of Adi guru Shankaracharya, shri Govindacharya
claimed to belongs to this community who initiated him in the Omkareshwar in the bank of river
Narmada. Naramdevs are in high concentration in Nimar (Khandwa and Khargone)and Bhuvana
region (Harda) of Madhyapradesh.
In Gujarat, Brahmins are classified into Eight groups: Anavil Brahmin, Audichya Brahmins,
Bardai Brahmins, Girinarayan Brahmins, Khedaval, Nagar Brahmins, Shrimali Brahmins, Sidhra-
Rudhra Brahmins and Modh Brahmins. The Modh Brahmins worship Matangi Modheshwari mata
(Modhera) and are mostly found in North Gujarat and in the Baroda region.
Gotras and pravaras
In general, gotra denotes any person who traces descent in an unbroken male line from a common
male ancestor. Panini defines gotra for grammatical purposes as ' apatyam pautraprabhrti gotram'
(IV. 1. 162), which means 'the word gotra denotes the progeny (of a sage) beginning with the son's
son. When a person says ' I am Kashypasa-gotra' he means that he traces his descent from the
ancient sage Kashyapa by unbroken male descent. According to the Baudhyanas'rauta-stra
Vivmitra, Jamadagni, Bharadvja, Gautama, Atri or Krisnatriya, Vasishtha, Kashyapa and
Agastya are 8 sages; the progeny of these eight sages is declared to be gotras. This enumeration of
eight primary gotras seems to have been known to Pnini. These gotras are not directly connected
to Prajapathy or latter brama. The offspring (apatya) of these eight are gotras and others than these
are called ' gotrvayava '.
[35]

The gotras are arranged in groups, e. g. there are according to the svalyana-srautastra four
subdivisions of the Vasishtha gana, viz. Upamanyu, Parshara, Kundina and Vasishtha (other than
the first three). Each of these four again has numerous sub-sections, each being called gotra. So the
arrangement is first into ganas, then into pakshas, then into individual gotras. The first has
survived in the Bhrigu and ngirasa gana. According to Baudh., the principal eight gotras were
divided into pakshas. The pravara of Upamanyu is Vasishtha, Bharadvasu, Indrapramada; the
pravara of the Parshara gotra is Vasishtha, Shktya, Prsharya; the pravara of the Kundina gotra
is Vasishtha, Maitrvaruna, Kaundinya and the pravara of Vasishthas other than these three is
simply Vasishtha. It is therefore that some define pravara as the group of sages that distinguishes
the founder (lit. the starter) of one gotra from another.
There are two kinds of pravaras, 1) sishya-prasishya-rishi-parampara, and 2) putrparampara.
Gotrapravaras can be ekarsheya, dwarsheya, triarsheya, pancharsheya, saptarsheya, and up to 19
rishis. Kashyapasa gotra has at least two distinct pravaras in Andhra Pradesh: one with three sages
(triarsheya pravara) and the other with seven sages (saptarsheya pravara). This pravara may be
either sishya-prasishya-rishi-parampara or putraparampara. When it is sishya-prasishya-rishi-
parampara marriage is not acceptable if half or more than half of the rishis are same in both bride
and bridegroom gotras. If it is putraparampara, marriage is totally unacceptable even if one rishi
matches.
[36]

Sects and rishis
Due to the diversity in religious and cultural traditions and practices, and the Vedic schools which
they belong to, Brahmins are further divided into various subcastes. During the sutra period,
roughly between 1000 BCE to 200 BCE, Brahmins became divided into various Shakhas
(branches), based on the adoption of different Vedas and different rescension Vedas. Sects for
different denominations of the same branch of the Vedas were formed, under the leadership of
distinguished teachers among Brahmins.
There are several Brahmin law givers such as Angirasa, Apasthambha, Atri (also sometimes more
realized as Krishnatriya), Brihaspati, Boudhayana, Daksha, Gautam, Harita, Katyayana, Likhita,
Manu,
[37]
Parasara, Samvarta, Shankha, Shatatapa, Ushanasa, Vashishta, Vishnu, Vyasa,
Yajnavalkya and Yama. These twenty-one rishis were the propounders of Smritis. The oldest
among these smritis are Apastamba, Baudhayana, Gautama, and Vasishta Sutras.
[38]

Descendants from Brahmins
Many Indians claim descent from the Vedic Rishis of both Brahmin and non-Brahmin descent. For
example the Dash and Nagas are said to be the descendants of Kashyapa Muni. The Rajput gothras
which correspond to the name of the Rishis mean that they employ(ed) (and protect) Brahmin
priest of that gothras. Visvakarmas are the descendants of Pancha Rishis or Brahmarshies.
According to Yajurveda and brahmanda purana They are Sanagha
,Sanathana,Abhuvanasa,Prajnasa, Suparnasa. The Kani tribe of South India claim to descend from
Agastya Muni.
The Gondhali, Kanet, Bhot, Lohar, Dagi, and Hessis claim to be from Renuka Devi.
The Kasi Kapadi Sudras claim to originate from the Brahmin Sukradeva. Their duty was to
transfer water to the sacred city of Kashi.
[39]

Dadheech Brahmins/dayama brahmin trace their roots from Dadhichi Rishi. Many Jats clans claim
to descend from Dadhichi Rishi while the Dudi Jats claim to be in the linear of Duda Rishi.
Lord Buddha of course, was a descendant of Angirasa through Gautama. There too were
Kshatiryas of other clans to whom members descend from Angirasa, to fulfill a childless king's
wish.
[40]

The backward-caste Matangs claim to descend from Matang Muni, who became a Brahmin by his
karma.
The nomadic tribe of Kerala, the Kakkarissi according to one legend are derived from the mouth of
Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu, and came out Brahmin.
[41]

Brahmins taking up other duties
Brahmins have taken on many professions - from being priests, ascetics and scholars to warriors
and business people, as is attested for example in Kalhana's Rajatarangini. Two of the largest
empires in India were established and ruled by Brahmins. When the Kshatriyas failed to conduct
their duties, Brahmins have become warriors and eventually restored law and order. Brahmins
according to Dharma should assume a ruling position because they are the law-makers and
preservers of Dharma. However, whenever there have been incidents in the history, where the
rulers have failed to live up to Dharma, Brahmins have assume power to restore proper law and
order. First, instance is Chanakya (a brahmin) created the Maurya Empire. Maurya empire was the
largest empire in India. Second, the Peshwas (Brahmins) ruled almost all of greater India, starting
from Mysore to Afghanistan. Brahmins with the qualities of Kshatriyas are known as
'Brahmakshatriyas'. An example is the avatara Parshurama who destroyed the entire Haiheyas 21
times. Not only did Sage Parashurama have warrior skills but he was so powerful that he could
even fight without the use of any weapons and trained others to fight without weapons. The
Bhumihar Brahmins were established when Parashurama destroyed the Kshatriya race, and he set
up in their place the descendants of Brahmins, who, after a time, having mostly abandoned their
priestly functions (although some still perform), took to land-owning.
[42]

Today there is a caste, Brahmakhatris, who are a clan of the Khatris.
Perhaps the word Brahma-kshatriya refers to a person belonging to the heritage of both castes.
[43]

However, among the Royal Rajput households, brahmins who became the personal teachers and
protectors of the Royal princes rose to the status of Rajpurohit and taught the princes everything
including martial arts. They would also become the keepers of the Royal lineage and its history.
They would also be the protectors of the throne in case the regent was orphaned and a minor.
Kshatriyan Brahmin is a term associated with people of both caste's components.
[44]

The Pallavas were an example of Brahmakshatriyas as that is what they called themselves. King
Lalitaditya Muktapida of Kashmir ruled all of India and even Central Asia.
King Rudravarma of Champa (Vietnam) of 657 A.D. was the son of a Brahmin father.
[43]

King Jayavarma I of Kambuja (Kampuchea) of 781 A.D. was a Brahma-kshatriya.
[43]

Brahmins with the qualities of a Vaisya or merchant are known as 'Brahmvyasya'. An example of
such persons are people of the Ambastha
[45]
caste, which exist in places like South India and
Bengal. They perform medical work - they have from ancient times practiced the Ayurveda and
have been Vaidyas (or doctors).
Many Pallis of South India claim to be Brahmins (while others claim to be Agnikula
Kshatriyas.)
[46]
Kulaman Pallis are nicknamed by outsiders as Kulaman Brahmans.
[46]
Hemu from
Rewari ,Haryana was also a Brahmin by birth.
Practices
Brahmins, Vedic priests, adhere to the principles of Brahmanism, Sanatana Dharma, and can be
found in any of the different religions of Hinduism, such as acceptance of the Vedas. Brhmaas
have six occupational duties, of which three are compulsory namely, studying the Vedas,
worshiping the Deity and giving charity. By teaching, by inducing others to worship the Deity, and
by accepting gifts, the brhmaas receive the necessities of life. This is also confirmed in the
Manu-sahit: a tu karmam asya
tri karmi jvik
yajandhypane caiva
viuddhc ca pratigraha
Of the six occupational duties of the brhmaas, three are compulsory namely, worship of the
Deity, study of the Vedas and the giving of charity. In exchange, a brhmaa should receive
charity, and this should be his means of livelihood. A brhmaa cannot take up any professional
occupational duty for his livelihood. The stras especially stress that if one claims to be a
brhmaa.
[47]
Brahmins believe in Sarvejanssukhinobhavatu Let the entire society be happy
and prosperous and Vasudhaika kuubaka the whole world is one family. Many Brahmins
are reformers. Most Brahmins today practice vegetarianism or lacto-vegetarianism. There are some
Brahmins who are non-vegetarians, mainly the Brahmins of cold mountain areas like Kashmir,
Himachal Pradesh and Nepal, and coastal areas like Bengal, who are fish eaters. However, even
the meat eating Brahmins shun beef.
Sampradayas
The three sampradayas (traditions) of Brahmins, especially in South India are the Smarta
sampradaya, the Srivaishnava sampradaya and the Madhva sampradaya.
Vaishnavism
Srivaishnava sampradaya and the Madhva sampradaya are the two major Vaishnavite sects. From
these two were influenced several other Vaishnavite sects such as the Ramananda Sampraday, and
Ramdassi Sampraday. The chief propounder of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya was Ramanuja
while Madhava was the founder of the Madhav Sampraday. The Pushtimarg Sampraday, founded
by Vallabh Acharya is yet another sect influenced by the other two major Vaishnavite sect.
The most well know branch of Vaishnavism is that of Brahma Gaudiya Vaishnavism from
Bengal.
[citation needed]
This was founded by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This branch of Vaishnavism
was the first opened the status Brahmin to those who were not of Indian decent. These brahmin are
part of the Gaudiya Vaishnava branch known as International Society for Krishna Consciouness,
or ISKCON
Vaishnavism included many sect such as the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
There are many members of the Swaminarayan Sampraday founded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan,
born as Ghanshyam Pande a Vaishnavite Brahmin of present-day Uttar Pradesh. He later settled in
Gujarat, wherein the highest density of sampraday members live. This is a Vaishnavite sect. This
sect was founded in the latter part of the 18th century.
There is also the Varkari Sampraday, which worships Sri Krishna as "Vithal". The word "Varkari"
means travelers because members of this sect travel from their home towns on a pilgrimage to
Pandharpur, almost always on foot! Important saints of this movement were the Brahmins
Dnyaneshwar, Muktabai as well as several non-Brahmin icons.
There is also the Mahanubhava sampraday founded by King Cakradhara, known popularly to
members as Sri Chakradhar Swami, in the 12th century. The members of this sect worship Lord
Vishnu in His five forms; Lord Krishna, Lord Sri Dattatreya, Lord Sri Chakrapani, Lord Sri
Govindaprabhu, and Lord Cakradhara (the founder Himself).
Shaivism
The Shaiva Brahmins have important icons such as, Basava Swami of Karnataka, Kungiliya
Kalaya Nayanar or Tamil Nadu, and Lakulisa of Gujarat.
Other sects
There are additional sampradayas as well which are not as widely followed as the rest.
The Mahima Dharma or "Satya Mahima Alekha Dharma" was founded by the Brahmin Mukanda
Das of present-day Orissa, popularly know by followers as Mahima Swami according to the Bhima
Bhoi text.
[48]
He was born in the last part of 18th century in Baudh ex-state as a son of Ananta
Mishra. He was Brahmin by caste as mentioned in Mahima Vinod of Bhima Bhoi in Vol.11. This
sampradaya is similar to Vaishnavism. Although the members of this sect do not worship Lord
Vishnu as their Ishta-Deva, they believe that the Srimad Bhagavatam is sacred. The founder of this
sect was a Vaishnavite before founding the new order.
[48]
This sampradaya was founded in the
latter part of the 18th century.
[48]

There is also the Avadhoot Panth, wherein Lord Dattertaya and his forms such as Narasimha
Saraswati and Sai Baba of Shirdi are worshiped. Lord Dattatreya is worshiped by many as the
Hindu trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in one divine entity. Many even worship Dattatreya as
an avatar of Vishnu or of Shiva.
Brahmins in Buddhism
Brahmins feature extensively in Buddhist canonical texts i.e. the Tripitaka, and are found among
the chief disciples of the Buddha. The Brahmana Varga (section on Brahmins) contained in the
Dhammapada lists down the Buddha's views on Brahmins
[49]

Brahminism in Thailand's Buddhist Culture
Brahminism is inextricably intertwined with Thailand's Buddhist Faith and Culture; Although the
basic premises of Brahmin Hinduism and Buddhist philosophy do not converge, the Brahmin
presence in Thailand's Buddhist temples and ceremonial rites is always notable. The main point
where Brahminism and Buddhism fail to converge is that of the Brahmin viewpoint being that of
"Atta"; a permanent immutable transmigratory soul, whereas the Buddhist viewpoint is that of
"Anatta" - the absence of an immutable self. It is interesting to note however, that all Royal and
National Cermonies performed in the Royal Palace are always performed by the Brahmin priests,
of which there are unfortunately only seven left in Thailand. The most famous landmark revealing
the presence of Brahminism in Thailand is the "Sao Ching Cha" ( swing pillar) which
has become a tourist attraction over the years. Sao Ching Cha is a pair of red pillars with a chinese
looking arch on the top; it looks like (and is!) a giant swing.
Thai Brahminism
Thai Brahminism
Brahmin bhikshus
Abhaya Raja (built Mahabouddha temple with his descendants in Patan, Nepal in year
1604)
[50]

Asvaghosa (wrote the 'Buddhacharita' and is considered along with Nagarjuna to have
founded the Mahayana). His philosophy was favored in the court of King Kanishka.
Atapa
Bakula
[51]

Bhitka (Buddha's fifth successor)
Cuda Panthaka
[52]

Dignaga
Gopaka
[52]

Guhyashila
[53]

Harita
[54]
(wrote the "Harita Dharmasutra")
Humkara
[55]

Jnanadharma
[56]

Kacanna
[57]

Kamashila (Kashmiri Pandit)
Kalika
[52]

Kumarajiva (was imprisoned in China for spreading Buddhism)
Kanaka (Yamantaka Tantra)
Kukuraja
[58]

Manjushri (The mentor of Asoka)
[59]

Padma (woman)
Palden Dekyong
[60]

Pingala-Koccha (preached to the Buddha the Clasropama Sutta, after which he became a
dedicated student of the Buddha)
Radhasvami (another mentor of Asoka)
[59]

Majnushrimitra
[61]

Nagasena
[62]

Narpola [Naropa](student of Tipola/tilopa]
Sahara/saraha (master of Tipola/Tilopa )
Sariputra
Shantideva
Shantarakshita (Kashmiri Pandit)
Subha
Subhadra
Subrahman (coming father of Bodhisattva Maitreya)
Tipola [Tilopa](Mahasiddha, from modern-day Bangladesh)
Vakkali
Vanavasi
[52]

Brahmin Bodhisattvas
Aryadeva (successor of Nagarjuna) Asangha (from Hinayana sect and Peshwar city founded the
Yogacarya and established the Classical age of Buddhism)
Nagasena (the famous teacher of the milindapanha)
Bodhidharma (royalty of Pallava, from Kanchi) that went to China
Brahmadatta
Nagarjuna (founded the Shunyata concept and considered along with Asvaghosa to have
founded the Mahayana)
Vasubandhu (Brother of Asanga and one of founders of the yogacara school - only
historical Buddhist to be called the 'second Buddha')
Dignaga (5th century Buddhist logician from Kanchipuram)
Dharmakirti (7th century Buddhist logician from Andhra)
Buddhaghosa (5th century Pali scholar who led the revival of the Theravaada)
Kusanda Buddha
Konagamana Buddha
Kasyapsa Buddha
Kshitagarbha
Padmasambhava (founder of Vajrayana Buddhism)
Scriptures dedicated to Brahmin bhikkhus
Because of the aim of the Brahmins, and the Buddha following on their path, several Buddhist
texts have been dedicated to them.
[63]

Annatara Brahmana Sutta: To a Brahmin
Aatra Sutta: To a certain Brahman (SN XII.46), To Unnabha the Brahman
Cankii Sutta: To the Brahmin Cankii
Esukaari Sutta: To the Brahmin Esukari
Janussoni Brahmana Sutta: To the Brahmin Janussoni
Ganakamoggallaanasuttam B: To the Brahmin Ganakamoggallaana
Paccha-bhumika Sutta: To Brahmins of the Western Land (SN XLII.6)
Saleyyaka Sutta A: The Brahmins of Sela
Saleyyaka Sutta B: The Brahmans of Salahar"
In kingdoms
There have been Brahmin Buddhists too in Buddhist kingdoms.
In Cambodia (Sanskrit Kamboja) there is an edict saying that King Jayavarman and his son
Rudravarman build a monument in dedication of Lord Buddha and appointed a Brahmin to
protect it.
[64]

In Sri Lanka, Maha Adigar was the first Buddhist emperor of Sri Lanka, converting many
to Buddhism.
[65]

In 120 BC, the Indo-Greek King Milinda converted to Buddhism under sage Nagasena.
The Shunga Dynasty is thought by neo-Buddhists as an anti-Buddhist dynasty but the
Shungas themselves built a stupa dedicated to the Buddha at Baharut.
Brahmins in Burma
This article or section uses the Burmese script, which may be rendered incorrectly. A Burmese Unicode font is needed
to properly view this article or section as intended. More information is available at Myanmar font display issues.
Historically, Brahmins, known as ponna in modern-day Burmese (Until the 1900s, ponna referred
to Indians who had arrived prior to colonial rule, distinct from the kala, Indians who arrived during
British rule), formed an influential group prior to British colonialism. During the Konbaung
dynasty, court Brahmins were consulted by kings for moving royal capitals, waging wars, making
offerings to Buddhist sites like the Mahamuni Buddha, and for astrology.
[66]
Burmese Brahmins
can be divided into four general groups, depending on their origins:
1. Manipur Brahmins - Brahmins who were sent to Burma after Manipur became a Burmese
vassal state in the 1700s and ambassadors from Manipur
2. Arakanese Brahmins : Brahmins brought to Burma from Arakan after it was conquered by
the Konbaung king Bodawpaya
3. Sagaing Brahmins: oldest Brahmins in Burmese society, who had consulted the Pyu,
Burman and Mon kingdoms prior to the Konbaung dynasty
4. Indian Brahmins: Brahmins who arrived with British colonial rule, when Burma became a
part of the British Raj
According to Burmese chronicles, brahmins in Burma were subject to the four-caste system, which
included brahmanas , kshatriyas (khettaya), vaishya (beisha), and shudra (thottiya). Because the
Burmese monarchy enforced the caste system for Indians, Brahmins who broke caste traditions
and laws were subject to punishment. In the Arakanese kingdom, punished Brahmins often became
kyun ponna , literally 'slave Brahmins', who made flower offerings to Buddha images and
performed menial tasks. During the Konbaung dynasty, caste was indicated by the number of
salwe (threads) worn; brahmins wore nine, while the lowest caste wore none. Brahmins are also
fundamental in the Nine-God cult, called the Nine Divinities which is essentially a Burmese puja
(puzaw in Burmese) of appeasing nine divinities, Buddha and the eight arahats, or a group of nine
deities, five Hindu gods and four nats.
[66]
This practice continues to be practiced in modern-day
Burma.
Brahmins in Jainism
The first convert of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism was Indrabhuti (aka
Gautamswami) the Brahmin, who headed a group of other Brahmins and converted them to
Jainism. He was from the village Gobbar (also called Govarya) near Rajgriha. It is said that
at the sight of Gautama, the tapsas who were competing with him to reach the top of a hill
once, by seeing the winner Gautama at the top, achieved moksha.
[67]

Sajjambhava was another born from Rajgriha and was elected the head of the Jain temple.
He is famous for his composition of the "Dasavaikalika Sutra."
Acharya Vidyanand is a Brahmin of the Dhigambar Jain sect and compiled in the Sanskrit
language, "Ashta Shahastri" with eight thousand verses.
Acharya Shushil Kumar, known better to Jains as "Guruji", was born a Vaidik in the
Shakarpur village of the Haryana province. At the age of 15, he took Diksha (became a
sanyassin) into the Sthanakvasi, a Swhetambara sub-sect.
There is also a story about a wealthy Brahmin named Dhangiri in the town of Tumbhivan,
who, when heard the sermons of the Jain Acharya Sinhgiri, while he regularly listened to
but later lost his interest in wealth and decided to take the Diksha.
Umasvati was a composer who was so loved by Jains that he is considered by the
Dhigambar sect to be a Dhigambar member and the Svetambara sect to be a Svetambara
member.
In various Indian kingdoms
The Jain Acharya Bhadrabahu of Pundravardhana is said to be the preceptor of
Chandragupta Maurya of the Mauryan dynasty, grandfather of Ashoka the Buddhist ruler.
A copperplate grant from the Gupta period found in the vincity of Somapura mentioned a
Brahmin donating land to a Jain vihara at Vatagohali.
A Brahmin general by the name of Vasudeva in the army of Kamadeva in the Vijayaditya
dynasty had built a temple to Lord Parshvanath.
The Kadamba kings of Palasika were Jain Brahmins who supported Jainism and gave land
grants and erected many temples and hence, patronised Jainism. This supports the view that
Jainism entered South India through the West and perhaps from Ujjayini itself.
King Mrigesavarman of the Kadamba dynasty of palasika further went on to give grants to
Yapaniyas, Nigranthas and Kurchakas.
The Brahmin Haribhadra was a pupil of Jinabhadra (or Jinabhata) and Jinadatta and later
received the title of "Suri" (an honorable epithet of learning Jain monks.)
Brahmins in Sikhism
Sikhism recognized the three main bhagats before the life of Guru Nanak; they are Bhagat
Ramananda, Bhagat Surdas, Bhagat Jayadeva.
Many of the other icons of Sikhism are disciple of Brahmins such as Bhagat Kabir, Bhagat
Dhanna, Bhagat Ravidas, Bhagat Pipa, Bhagat Sain. The writings and sayings of these icons are
preserved in the Sikh text, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Many writers of the Guru Granth Sahib are of the Bhatt surname. The Sikh composed Mathura
Bhatt's fourteen verses are seven each in praise of Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan.
There are also several Mohyals (Brahmin warriors) in the Sikh community.
Although Sikhism takes some inheritance from these Brahmin saints, Later day Sikhs had many
on-going struggles with Brahmins for societies control. whats more, 2 Bhatt brahmin sikhs
contributed to the guru granth sahib There have been many Brahmin Sikhs since the start of Sikh
history. Bhataa Dhe Swaye which is a Bani in Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee was composed by
Brahmin Sikhs who were Bhatt Brahimins. Most of the two 2 lakh Kashmiri Sikhs are in fact
Brahmins by caste.
Brahmins in Islam
Apart from figures in the Dharmic religions, there are many Brahmins in the religion of Islam,
especially those western-Born Indian Brahmin converts to Islam.
The group known as "Hussaini Brahmins" are the disciples of Imam Hussain, grandson of the
prophet Mohammad.
A popular saying about the Hussainis has it thus:
But there is also another version of how the Dutts of Punjab came to be known as Hussaini
Brahmins. One of the wives of Imam Hussain, the Persian princess Shahr Banu, was the sister of
Chandra Lekha or Mehr Banu, the wife of an Indian king called Chandragupta. When it became
clear that Yazid was adamant on wiping out the Imam, the Imams son Ali ibn Hussain rushed off
a letter to Chandragupta asking him for help against Yazid. When Chandragupta received the
letter, he dispatched a large army to Iraq to assist the Imam. By the time they arrived, however, the
Imam had been slain. In the town of Kufa, in present-day Iraq, they met with one Mukhtar Saqaffi,
a disciple of the Imam, who arranged for them to stay in a special part of the town, which even
today is known by the name of Dair-i-Hindiya or the Indian quarter.
Some Dutt Brahmins, under the leadership of one Bhurya Dutt, got together with Mukhtar Saqaffi
to avenge the death of the Imam. They stayed behind in Kufa, while the rest returned to India. Here
they built up a community of their own, calling themselves Hussaini Brahmins, and although they
did not convert to Islam they kept alive the memory of their links with Imam Hussain.
The Hussaini Brahmins believe that Krishna had foretold the event of the Imams death at Karbala
in the Gita. According to them, the Kalanki Purana, the last of eighteen Puranas, as well as the
Atharva Veda, the fourth Veda, refer to Imam Hussain as the divine incarnation or avatar of the
Kali Yug, the present age. They hold Imam Ali, Imam Hussains father, and son-in-law and cousin
of the Prophet Muhammad, in particular reverence, refer-ring to him with the honorific title of Om
Murti.
This group applies the tilak on their forehead just like many other Hindus.
[69]
They have also
maintained the shrine of the Sufi saint Muinud-din Chishti in Ajmer.