Daivadnya

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Daivajna people
दैवज्ञ वा शेठ ,
ದೈವಜ್ಞ ಅಥವ ಶೆಟ್ಟ
Total population

0.8 million(approx)
Regions with significant populations
Primary populations in:

Populations in:
Languages
Konkani , Marathi
Religions
Hinduism
Related ethnic groups


Daivajna ( Sanskrit: दैवज्ञ also spelt as Daivadnya and pronounced as Daivagna in Karnataka,Daivadnya in Goa and Maharshtra ) is a community that hails from west coast of India predominantly from Goa, coastal Karnataka, coastal Maharashtra.Roots of all the Daivajnas are originally in Goa ( Sanskrit: गोमन्तक, Gomantak or Gomant, meaning abode of the cows ), later because of many socio-economic reasons they migrated to different parts of India.

Daivajna people are commonly known as shett ( Sanskrit: शेठ or ಶೆಟ್ಟ ) in coastal region. The word Shet is a corrupt form of the word “Shreshta ( श्रेष्ठ )"meaning superior. As the time progressed the word was transformed from “Shreshta” to “Shet”.



Contents

[edit] History

Map of Vedic India.
Map of Vedic India.
  • It is mentioned in Rigveda that Rathakara had a unique position in Vedic Yajna institution. It is believed that Vishwakarma's grandson "Taksha" married sage "Jaimini's" daughter "Chandrika". Thus Daivajna community was believed to originate from their confluence. Some historians also relate Daivajna community with Shakadwipiya maga brahmins ( Daivajnas have many common traits that are found in so called Shakadwipi Maga people from Iran who were Sun worshipers and Astrologers ).Daivajnas had to determine Panchanga (i.e. Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karan, Vaara) for the Yajna, design and construct different types of Yajna Kundas, Yajna Mantapas, yupa stambha's etc. They were also supposed to perform the ritual called as "AgniChayana" (generating of holy fire using ancient friction methods) as a part of Yaga.
  • Aryavarta" (Sanskrit: आर्यावर्त, abode of the Aryans ) (today's Punjab and Haryana states) is believed to be the origin of this community. It is believed that Daivajnas later migrated to "Gouda" Desha (see also gaur in Bengal) in ancient times and then to Southern Goa. Later in 12th and 14th centuries these people migrated from Goa to other parts of India because of Islamic and Portuguese invasions and other socioeconomic reasons.
  • It is believed that lord Parashurama created Sapt Konkan (The Sapta-Konkan as depicted in Skanda-purana stretches from Maharashtra to Karnataka) and 96 Brahmin families belonging to 10 gotras settled in different Agraharas in Goa. Daivajnas came with lord Parashurama to the South to assist other Brahmins perform yajnas and they settled in different Agraharas in Goa with Saraswats (as mentioned in SahyadriKhand of Skanda Purana).
  • Some historians also believe that Daivajnas hail from "Panchal" desha.
  • Another view says that Daivajnas came to Goa in 4th or 6th century in the time of the Bhoja dynasty.
  • Manu smriti has allowed Brahmins to adopt any occupation they like except those practiced by shudras and mlecchas. Daivajnas have adopted jewellery trade, examination of gemstones (Ratna Parkiskha), examination and testing of metals and alloys (Dhatu Pariksha) since times of yore.As the Vedic system declined they were engaged in making gold and silver idols and other equipments for the temples and still continue doing it.Some of them are Purohits and jyotishis, but the majority of them are involved in jewellery trade as a custom.

[edit] Migrations from the mainland

  • In 700 BC Brahmins from Aryavarta migrated to south.
  • According to another view Daivajnas migrated to Goa in 4th - 6th century AD,when Bhojas were ruling Goa ( ie after Brahmins in Sawaswati mandal settled in Goa )
  • From 1352 to 1366 AD Goa was ruled by Khilji .In 1472, the Bahamani Muslims attacked and demolished many temples and forced the Hindus to get converted to Islam. To avoid these religious persecution several Daivajnas families fled to the neighbourhood Kingdom of Sonde, Kanara.
  • In 1510 Portuguese invaded Goa, King of Portugal Joao III issued a decree threatening expulsion or execution of non-believers in Christianity in 1559 A. D,.Daivajnas refused conversion and had to flee,thousands of Daivajna families fled to interior Maharashtra and coastal Karnataka
  • About 12,000 families from the Sasashti District of Goa ( ie. from Raia,Cuncolim,Loutolim,Verna and other places ), mostly of Saraswats and Daivajna, including Vaishyas, Kunbis (cultivators), and others fled by ships to the southern ports from Honavar to Kozhikode.

[edit] Religion

Daivajnas are predominantly Devi worshipers. Panchayatana puja is a prominent aspect of Devi worship.

Gajant Lakshmi , Marcela Goa.
Gajant Lakshmi , Marcela Goa.

They worship different aspects of Devi such as:

as well as Shiva in the forms of:

Ravalnath at shree Shantadurga sangodkarin temple,sangolda Goa.
Ravalnath at shree Shantadurga sangodkarin temple,sangolda Goa.

Daivajnas do not worship any form of Vishnu as their Kuldevta because they are Smarthas (they mainly follow the Advaita Vedanta philosophy of Adi Shankara.)

[edit] Etymology

The word Daivajna means one who knows the future.

"दैव जानति इति दैवज्ञ"

A person who knows about future is a daivajna. Also who is well versed in Shilpashastra( Science of Hindu Iconology )and can craft an idol of god is called a “Daivajna”.

A person mastering the following eight fields is termed as a Daivajna:

A Daivajna should be very well versed in 14 sciences ( chaturdasha vidya ) and 64 Kalas ( chatuhshashti Kala ) mentioned in Kamasutra ( like testing gemstones,metals, etc ).

In addition historians relate Daivajnas with Shakadwipi Magas as they have inborn liking towards dramas,playin musical instruments,singing,Literature etc.

[edit] Languages spoken

Daivajnas speak sanskritised dialects of Konkani ( Sanskrit: गोमान्तकी, Goan spoken dialect and other dialects spoken in Maharashtra and Karnataka ) and Marathi with a nasal accent.

It is believed that Shourseni dialect of Prakrit was spoken by the Aryans who descended down to south, which was later evolved into present day Konkani.

  • Daivajnas in Goa speak standard Konkani ,but the dialect and the accent changes from region to region. ( Sashtichi Bhas , Bardeschi Bhas )
  • Daivajnas in coastal Karnataka sepak different dialects of Konkani , like Karwari , Kodyali
  • Most of the Daivajnas in Maharashtra speak Marathi and dialects of Konkani.



[edit] Daivajna Gotras

The ten Gotras of the Daivajnas and their respective Pravaras:

Gotra Pravara Shakha
Bharadwaj Angirasa, Bhaarhaspathya, Bharadwaaja Rigveda
Kousika Viswaamithra, Akhamarshana, Kousika Rigveda
Vatsa Bhaargava, Chyavana, Aapthavaana, Ourva, Jaamadagnya Rigveda
Koundinya Vaasishta, Maithraavaruna, Koundinya Rigveda
Kashyapa Kaasyapa, Aavatsaara, Naidruva Rigveda
Vasishta Vaasishta Indrapradama, Aabharaswath Rigveda
Jamadagni Bhaargava, Chyavana, Aapthavaanam, Ourva, Jaamadagnya Rigveda
Vishwamitra Viswaamithra, Devaraatha, Oudala Rigveda
Gautama Amgirasa, Aayasya, Gouthama Rigveda
Atri Aathreya, Archanaanasa, Syavaaswa Rigveda

In addition following Upagotras are also found:

Gotra Pravara
Suparna Suparna, Sarka, Vishwajna
Shandilya Kasyapa, Aavatsaara, Sandilya

[edit] Gotravali of Gomantak Daivajnas and their Kuldevtas

Surname Gotra Kuldevta
Karekar Bharadwaj, Kashyap,Koushik,Shandilya Shree Gajantlakshmi Ravalnath, Marcela Goa
Chodankar Bharadwaj Shree Lakshmi Ravalnath, Marcela Goa
Verlekar Jamdagni Shree Shantadurga Verlekarin Panchayatan Marcela, Goa
Revankar Koushik, Vatsa Shree Vimaleshwer, Rivona Goa
Raikar Koushik,Vasishtha Shree Kamakshi Rayeshwar, Shiroda Goa
Pednekar Vasishtha Shree Ravalnath Bhagvati Pernem Goa
Haldonkar Atri Shree Bhagvati Halodnkarin, Khnadola Goa
Lotlikar Koundinya Shree Vetal Ramnath ,Ramnathi Goa
Vernekar Atri Shree Santeri Mahalasa,Mardol/Verna Goa
Nagveker Bharadwaj Shree Lakshminarayan Nagesh Mahamaya,Ankola Karnataka
Bandodkar Vatsa, Atri Shree Nagesh, bandivade Goa
Sangodkar Vatsa, Atri Shree Shantadurga Sangodkarin Panchyata, Sangolda Goa
Shirodkar Koushik Shree Vetal, Mulgaon Goa
Kudtarkar Vatsa Shree Shantadurga Chamundeshwari Kudtari Mahamaya Goa
Salkar Bharadwaj Shree Gajantlakshmi, Marcela Goa
Anvekar Kashyap Shree Ravalnath Shivnath Mahamaya, Shiroda Goa
Khandeparkar Atri Shree Shantadurga Khandekarin, Khandepar Goa
Kurdikar Vishwamitra Shree Someshwar, Rivona Goa /Gokarna Karnataka
Madkaikar Bharadwaj Shree Navdurga Mahalakshmi Goa

[edit] Ancestral worship in Daivajna

Daivajnas have a unique system of ancestral worship,the Mula purusha or the creater of the clan is worshiped in the form of Shiva linga.

  • Kulapurushas of few Daivajna families:
Family name Ancestral place Kulpurusha
Karekar Kaarai on Chudamani island, ( present day Caroi ) Shree Gramapurusha, Marcela Goa
Chodankar Chudamani island, ( present day Chorao ) Shree Goudapurusha, Marcela Goa
Bandodkar Nagvhay in Sasashti , ( present day Nagoa ) Shree Brahmapurusha, Bandora Goa
Raikar Ray grama in Sasashti , ( present day Ria ) Shree Ramapurusha, Marcela Goa

[edit] Ishta Devatas of Gomantak Daivajna Community

Ganapati is ishta devata of all the Daivajnas .Ganesh Chaturthi or Siddhi Vinayak Vrata is a major festival of all the Daivajnas.Ganapati is worshipped as a part of Panchayatana in all the Daivajna Kul devata temples.

Shri Kalika ,Kasarpali Goa, is worshipped as Ishta Devata by Gomantak Daivajnas all over the world. Not even a single daivajna family has Kalika as their Kuldevta. This temple is more than 800 years old and is located at a distance of around 14 kilometers from Mapusa at Kasarpal was built by Kadambas and was renovated by a Daivajna Mantri who was serving Sawant Bhonsale kings of Sawantwadi. It has 4 pillars of seven rows and the inner structure as well as the outer one makes it a unique temple among the all temples of Goa. “Roudra” meaning fierce, this image may always frighten the visitors who are atheists! Shri Kalika Temple of Goa also has the arrangement for the distant Mahajans and Bhaktas for the fooding and lodging. There is gigantic gold Kalash on the top of the dome of the Shri Kalika Temple. It also features the unique blend of the architectural designs and elegance. Shri Kalika Temple of Goa is one of the most important temples in the northern part of Goa.Shri Kalika Temple, Goa offers "Agrashalas" for the devotees from all over the country and world as well.The main festivals celebrated in this temple are Shishirotsav, Navratri,Ratha Saptami, Avali Bhojan, Vasant Puja etc.

Other Ishta Devtas of Daivajnas are Shree Rama (temples at Margao Panjim and many other places in goa and Maharashtra and Karnataka), Shree Dattatreya (Temples at Mapusa,Chinchinim in Goa), Shree Hanuman,Shree Panduranga,Shree Mahalakshmi, Shree Radha Krishna,Shree Gayatri.

[edit] Daivajna Math Tradition

Daivajnas in Goa, Maharashtra and Some parts of Karnataka belong to "smartha" sect. On the other hand Daivajnas in South Canara , Udupi and Kerala were highly influenced by Shree Madhwacharya's "Dvaita Siddhant" and adopted Vaishnavism led by "Shreemad Vadiraja Theertha Swami" the pontiff of shree Sodhe math.

Shree Shreemat Sacchidananda Jnaneshwar Bharati Mahaswami
Shree Shreemat Sacchidananda Jnaneshwar Bharati Mahaswami

Due to some unavoidable conflicts between the two sects in the community a new math was established in Honnavar , in North Canara district. The Math is called as "Shree Jnaneshwari Peetha" and his headed by "Shree Shreemad Dakshinamanya Bharathi Theertha Swamiji's(Shringeri Shree Sharada Peetha) disciple (sheeshya) " Shree Shreemat Sacchidananda Jnaneshwar Bharati Mahaswami" for spiritual and religious betterment of the community. The presiding deity at the math is "Shree Jnaneshwari Devi" (a form of Tripura Sundari) and is also worshipped in the form of "Shree Yantra".Other deities are Devi Panchaytana,Ganapati and Navagrahas. Every year in "Maagh" month of the hindu calendar "Maha Rathotsava " is celebrated with great zeal. Navaratri Turiyashram Sweekar anniversry of His Holiness Swamiji are other main festivals.

[edit] Daivajna food habits

Fish curry and rice.
Fish curry and rice.

Daivajna people are fisheterian people like bengali brahmins. Eating fish is not considered as non vegetarian. It is said that when the Saraswati River dried up, and the Brahmins in "Sarawati mandal" and "Aaryavarta" survived by eating fish. Fish is considered as very auspicious and is offered to Devi by some families during "Malini Pournima" in "pousha " month of Hindu lunar calender.Fish is euphemistically called Sea Vegetable or झळकें from ( जल काय -Jal Kaay).Their daily diet consists of rice and "human" ( हूमण fish curry) accompanied by diffent varieties of vegetable curries , pickles and sweets ( payasa,mangane,kheer,puranpoli,soji,patoli).On contrast most of the vaishnavite people in the community and those who are "Purohits"(priests) are strictly vegetarian.

[edit] Daivajna Code Language

The Daivajnas are mainly jewellary traders. Since days of yore they dealt with jewellary trade (In ancient and modern Goa and Konkan region), and in turn imported Arabian horses ( "Gopikapattana" was the centre of this trade).The trade was flourshing during Kadamba,Bhoja and pre-Portuguese era. Daivajna traders use a unique code language called as "Kali Bhasha" ( कळी भाषा or कळ भास ),Daivajnas sometimes refer the trader as "Kalo".This code language was used to keep the secrecy of the business by the traders.This code language is still used by the Daivajna traders, even some times at home.

Few words from "Kali Bhasha":

Kali Konkani Meaning
Zalken / झळकें Nuste / नुस्तें Fish
Nevlo / नेवलो ~ A non Daivajna customer
Tigh / तीघ Palay / पळय Look
Tol / तोळ Ghe / घे Take (comes from the Kannada word "tolu" which means take )
Valay / वलय Kankan / कांकण A bangle or any circular object
Kanak / कनक Bhangar, Suvarn / भांगर ,सुवर्ण Gold
Dafaraavani / दाफरावणी Gondal, Diwale,Naagavni / गोंदळ,दिवाळे,नागवणी Confusion, Bankruptcy,Cheating


[edit] Some historical issues in Daivajna Community

  • In 16th - 17th century there were conflicts between two Brahmin communities in Goa , viz Daivajnas ans Saraswats. The cause of this conflict was use of traditional emblems used by Brahmin and royal Kshatriya families during religious rituals, functions and festivals ( like Adbagira,Suryapaan,Chatra,Chamara that symbolised high status in the Hindu society ).
  • Another conflict between Daivajnas and Vaishyas,in 16th century in Khandepar ( ancient name Kharegrama ) and this issue was solved in Gananatha temple in Khandepar.As Daivajnas were against Vaishyas who were performing some Brahmanical rituals.
  • Due to socio-economic reasons Daivajnas migrated to Karnataka,there was conflicts between Daivajnas and Havyaka Brahmins of Gokarna who were against Daivajnas performing "Pourohittya" ( priestly rituals ),as Daivajnas were/are "pisco-vegetarian" ( fish eaters ).
  • Most of the Daivajna migrants in South Canara,some parts of North Canara,Udupi and other parts of Karnataka adopted Vaishnavism, and were the main source of financial aid for Sodhe Matha,till early 19th century, but most of the followers who were Madhwa Brahmins ( Tulu speaking ) and the present pontiff of the matha denied the traditional rights of Daivajnas on an account of Daivajnas being fish eaters.

[edit] Notable Daivadnya Individuals

Pandit Prabhakar Karekar.
Pandit Prabhakar Karekar.
  • Varahamihira ( 5th century, Astrologer/mathematician,Ujjain )
  • Daivajna Surya Suri (Poet Maharashtra , 15th century)
  • Arya Ganesh daivajna (Astrologer Maharashtra , 15th century)
  • Gana Chattim (Goa, Interpretter in Porgugal King’s court.14th century)
  • Narayan Shastri Kshirsagar (author of “Vishwabrahmakulotsah”)
  • Nath Madhav Pitale (Marathi writer)
  • Chandrakala A. Hate (Author, professor, and social worker)
  • Jagannath Shankarshet (Architect of modern Mumbai)
  • Pandit Prabhakar Karekar ( Indian Classical Vocalist)
  • Sachin khedekar ( film /Drama actor )
  • Jagannath Sadashiva Hate, principal engineer for Ajwa lake near Vadodara
  • Anjali Ved Pathak Bhagwat (Olympics level Shooter)
  • Aishwarya Narkar ( film /Drama actor )
  • Dr Subodh Kerkar ( World famous artist)
  • Pandit Suresh Haldonkar ( Indian Classical Vocalist)
  • S. L Haldonkar ( Indian Classical Vocalist)
  • Swapnil Bandodkar (singer)
  • Dr. Sudha Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka State Open University
  • Smt Bimba Raikar, MP Rajya Sabha
  • Milind Raikar (Violinist)
  • Dr Pandurang Purushottam Shirodkar (Freedom Fighter,First Speakar of Goa assembly)
  • Pandit Babanrao Haldonkar ( Indian Classical Vocalist)
  • Pandit Vasantrao Kadnekar ( Indian Classical Vocalist)
  • Anuradha Paudwal (singer)
  • Dr prakashchandra Shirodkar (Archeologist)
  • Ad Pandurang Nagvenkar
  • Dr Harischandra Nagvenkar
  • Arun Paudwal ( Music Director of Marathi Cinemas )
  • Prof. K. D. Pednekar, Professor of English Literature, Elphinstone College, Mumbai
  • Gangadhar Bhatt (MLA,North Kanara)

[edit] See also

[edit] External links