Which caste is Iyer?

Iyer (also spelt as Ayyar, Aiyar, Ayer or Aiyer) is a caste of Hindu Brahmin communities of Tamil origin. Most Iyers are followers of the Advaita philosophy propounded by Adi Shankara and adhere to Smarta tradition.

What is the priest of Brahmins?

Brahmin People who acts as officials at temples, conducting or assisting on worship, are known as a pujari or priests. Their main duty is to act as intermediaries between the worshipers and god. These priests are supposed to be Brahmins—members of the highest ranking caste group that have traditionally been priests.

How many Brahmins are there in South India?

Tamil Brahmins are divided into three groups — Iyers, Iyengars and Gurukkal. Iyers form the majority of the Tamil Brahmin population and are Smarthas, while Iyengars are Vaishnavas and Gurukkals are Saivas.

Can Brahmin priests marry?

All Brahmin men were allowed to marry women of the first three Varnas, whereas marrying a Shudra woman would, marginally, bereft the Brahmin of his priestly status. Nevertheless, a Shudra woman would not be rejected if the Brahmin consented.

Is Sharma a Brahmin?

Sharma is a Brahmin Hindu surname in India and Nepal. The Sanskrit stem ṣárman- (nom. sarma) can mean ‘joyfulness’, ‘comfort’, ‘happiness’. According to Vabisya Purana, Sensharma or Sharma is the first Brahmin surname.

Can only Brahmins be priests?

Strictly speaking only Brahmins can be priests and as such they usually are the main and major component of Hindu priesthood. But many other castes also have “sacred specialists” or priests of their own who perform their community rituals. Their standing, however, is far below that of the Brahmin.

Is Brahmin a high caste?

Under the Indian caste system, a Brahmin is a member of the highest caste. Priests and scholars are classified as Brahmins, and members of this caste have traditionally been figures of veneration and respect. The high ranking caste has traditionally held a great deal of power over Indian society,…

Who is a true Brahmin?

A TRUE Brahmin is one who has acquired brahminhood not by birth but through his noble actions. He who has gained Supreme Self-knowledge is a Brahmin. Vedas and Epics proclaim that there is no caste differentiation in the Brahminic State. Initially, people took up occupations in tune with their aptitudes and temperaments.

Who are the Brahmins in the Indian caste system?

A Brahmin is a member of the highest caste or varna in Hinduism. The Brahmins are the caste from which Hindu priests are drawn, and are responsible for teaching and maintaining sacred knowledge. The other major castes, from highest to lowest, are the Kshatriya (warriors and princes), Vaisya (farmers or merchants), and Shudra (servants and sharecroppers).