Adikal

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Part of a series on
Hinduism

Aum

History · Deities
Denominations
Literature

Dharma · Artha · Kama
Moksha · Karma · Samsara
Yoga · Bhakti · Maya · Puja
Mandir

Vedas · Upanishads
Ramayana · Mahabharata
Bhagavad Gita · Purana
others

Related topics

Hinduism by country
Gurus and saints
Reforms · Ayurveda
Calendar · Criticism
Festivals · Glossary
Jyotisha

Hindu swastika

This box: view  talk  edit

Adikal is a sub-caste of Ambalavasis in Kodungallur, Kerala. Women in this caste are known as Adisyaar or as Adiyamma. In Travancore they are known as Adishens.

[edit] Origin

Since the temple of kodungallur has often been associated with animal sacrifices and other scandalous activities, the nambuthiri sect of malayali brahmins refused to conduct poojas at this temple. The community that was willing to carry out pooja were relegated to a lower rung of brahmin hierarchy known as ambalavasi by the dominant nambuthiri sect. This sect of brahmins who carry out priestly duties at kodungallur are known as Adikal.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links