Valluvar (caste)

This article is about the social group. For the Indian poet and philosopher, see Thiruvalluvar.

Valluvar is a caste associated with the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They are the hereditary priests of the Pallars and Paraiyars of Tamil Nadu.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

Origin

Valluvars are believed to have been the priests of the Pallava kings before the introduction of Brahmins and for sometime after their arrival.^[1] The exalted position of Valluvars in the social hierarchy during those times is indicated by inscriptions which refer to Valluvars in a respectful manner.^[6] Moreover, the Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar is believed to have been a member of this community^[7] and there is a subsect of Valluvars claiming descent from him.^[6][3][4] The Valluvars are also called Pandaram or Valluva Pandaram.^[8] The priests of the Valluvars are sometimes called Vellala Pandaram, Thiruvalluva Nayanar.^[8]

Culture and practices

Owing to their occupation as priests, all males over twelve wore the sacred thread.^[8] The Valluvars were also noted for their abstinence from beef.^[8]

Valluvars were an untouchable caste.^[9][10][11]

Valluvars follow both Saivism and Vaishnavism. Saivite and Vaishnavite Valluvars dine together, but not intermarry.^[6] A particular class of Valluvars officiated as priest at Paraiyar funerals.^[6] This particular class of Valluvars was known as Paraiya Tadas and were regarded as inferior by other sections of Valluvars.^[6] Another section of Valluvars wear a necklace of tulsi beads and are known as Alvar Dasari or Tavadadhari.^[6] The affairs of the community are handled by a caste-council.^[12] The community is headed by a Kolkaran or a Kanakkan.^[12] There are the hereditary astrologers of the Indian temple town of Vaithiswaran Koil and are considered experts in Nadi astrology.^[13][14]

The Valluvars generally officiate in Paraiyar marriages^[14] and funerals. During such occasions, Valluvar priests used to chant Sanskrit shlokas.^[14]

Notable people

• Thiruvalluvar