Deshastha Brahmin

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Deshastha Brahmin
Total population

2 million (estimate)

Regions with significant populations
Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (cities of Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain, & Dhar), Gujarat, particularly Baroda, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, United States and United Kingdom
Languages
Majority speak Marathi. Also a small number of Deshastha resident outside Maharashtra speak along with Marathi local languages such as Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada and Konkani
Religions
Hinduism
Related ethnic groups

Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste belonging to the Indo-Aryan ethnic group primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra . Deshastha, in Sanskrit, means inland and thus, Deshastha Brahmins are Brahmins living in the interiors (away from the coasts). [1]

Contents

[edit] Deshastha Population & Geographical Location

Maharashtra, the state in India where majority of Deshastha live
Maharashtra, the state in India where majority of Deshastha live

With Karhade Brahmin, Devrukhe,Chitpavan (Konkanastha) & and GSB, Deshastha form the five major Brahmin communities of Maharashtra with Deshastha by far the largest of the five. The community is now predominantly urban. Deshastha have two major sub- sects or shakhas called Rigvedi and Yajurvedi.other small sub-sects are like Samvedi and Govardhan For details,see the article on Shakha.

In Southern India (typically the part of Karnataka-Andhra that belonged to Bombay-Province), there are two communities of Deshastha known as Deshastha Madhva Brahmins, who follow the teachings of Madhvacharya and Deshastha Smartha Brahmins, who follow the teachings of Shankaracharya respectively. The surnames of these southern Indian and mainly Kannada speaking Deshastha brahmins can be identical to those of Maharashtrian Deshastha brahmins(e.g. Kulkarni, Deshpande, Joshi etc.

A Deshastha couple
A Deshastha couple

Marathi speaking Deshastha can also be found in large numbers outside Maharashtra in the former Maratha ruled or Maratha confederacy states/cities of Indore, Baroda, Ujjain, Gwalior, Dhar and Tanjore.

Unlike the British Raj colonial administration, the Indian government at the ten year census does not collect data on upper castes and the associated sub-castes. Therefore it is difficult to know precisely how large Deshastha population is. However, the number can be estimated as 2.0 million by extrapolating from the colonial era census reports. [2] Appearance wise, they are similar to other communities in Maharashtra. H.H. Risley's work during the 1901 census [1] found Deshastha to be indistinguishable from most other castes like Maratha in Maharashtra.[3]

[edit] Residence of Deshasthas

Image:Manohar joshi.jpg
Manohar Joshi-former CM and Ex- Speaker of Loksabha
Rahul Dravid- The great wall
Rahul Dravid- The great wall

In spite of the fact that they are from Deccan plateau, many Deshashtas migrated to the coastal city of Mumbai during British Rule in search of administrative and clerical jobs. There was also migration to other cities like Pune and Nagpur or Maratha ruled cities outside Maharashtra like Indore. A second wave of migration started after the formation of Maharashtra state(in 1960)when many families settled in Mumbai, Thane, and Dombivali,thus made contribution to Mumbai by servicing in sectors like Government,Teaching(Education),Railways, Banking/ Insurance and Engineering. Few Deshastha also succeeded in starting their own industries in Mumbai. examples include Garware Polymers, Parkhi Paper Mills and Sudha Kulkarni-Murthy’s Infosys in 1981.During last few decades, many Deshasthas have started industries in other cities of Maharashtra like Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad and Nagpur; those are in the fields of IT, Ethanol, Rubber, Engineering Equipments etc.Deshasthas nowadays live mostly in urban centres. However, they are to be found in certain rural areas as well. Brahmins have been migrating overseas in search of higher education and employment for number of years now. A large number educated Brahmins including deshasthas have moved abroad to USA, UK & other countries like Australia.It is estimated that, more than 30,000 Deshasthas have migrated to US during 1950-2000..[citation needed] Indeed, a simple search of surnames of Maharashtrian families in US will reveal mostly brahmin (all sub-groups) or Ckp names.The rate of migration has increased four fold after start of IT boom in 1990. There are thousands of Deshasthas working temporary in US on H1B visas and on Work Permit in U.K..[citation needed] Please refer to list of Deshastha Brahmins of distinction for Deshastha contribution to various fields.

[edit] Occupations of Deshasthas

The traditional occupations of Deshastha were as priests of Hindu temples or to conduct religious family ceremonies, village revenue officials, academicians, astrologer and administrators A large number also practiced Ayurvedic medicine. Some are also engaged in farming.Even After entry of Chitpavans in Maratha empire, the posts of “Panditrao” (Minister related to Religious issues) and “Chief Justice“ remained in hands of Deshastha. This may be due to their long tradition of sending their brightest students to the holy city of Kashi for religious and legal studies. During British Raj, brahmins in general, found employment as white collar professions such as office clerks and teachers. In modern times, Deshastha occupations range from being factory workers,clerks to being doctors, lawyers, teachers, administrators, IT professionals and engineers. Deshastha women are also going into higher education and as a result can be found in high ranking professions.Around 2%[citation needed]of the Deshastha population is still living in interior rural Maharashtra area with relatively poor earnings and poor life style. This fraction of community is not educated (but literate).


[edit] Deshastha History

Image of Deshastha Saint Samartha Ramdas
Image of Deshastha Saint Samartha Ramdas
Image of Saint Dnyaneshwar
Image of Saint Dnyaneshwar

Deshastha Brahmins consider themselves to be the direct descendants of the great Rishis(Sages) who settled in dandakaranya(Maharashtra)in ancient times.[[1]] They are people of Aryan descent who had settled down south of Vindhya mountains after the Mahabharat period.The Deshasthas arrived in Maharashtra from the ancient Gandhar province in (Afghanistan) and Punjab during 1st century BC to 150 AD.[[2]] First they settled in Vidarbha[[3]] Later they moved eastwards in the valleys of Bhima,Godavari and Krishna rivers in Central and Western Maharashtra.[4]

Some Yajurvedi deshastha brahmin families have been living in North Konkan since the 12th century along with Pathare Prabhus. Despite living in Konkan they are still considered ‘Deshastha-Yajurvedis’ rather than Kokanastha (belonging to Konkan).

Deshastha may be the Maharashtrian Brahmin community with the longest known history. Sant Dnyaneshwar from the 12th century was Deshastha, as were the saints, Eknath and Ramdas from more recent times (16th & 17th centuries, respectively). The close advisors and ministers of Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th century founder of Maratha empire were Deshastha. Unfortunately, the history of Maharashtra and therefore of the Deshastha community before 12th century is quite sparse.The cave paintings of Ajanta and sculptures from other places show Buddhism and Jainism to be the religions with significant royal patronage in Maharashtra during the first millennium of the present era. One can only speculate whether, Deshastha had kept Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) going during this period or converted from Buddhism after the decline of that religion in India. After the rise of Maratha empire, under the leadership Shivaji Maharaj Deshasthas played major role in army and administration which is evident from the warriors like Neelkanth Sarnaik, Keso Narayan Deshpande and Annaji Dato Sabnis so on. Seven out of eight Ashtapradhan of Raje Shivaji were Deshasthas. Even after the fall of Maratha Kingdom to British a few Deshastha-ruled states remained nominally independent until 1947. Major among these were, Prant-Pratindhi of Aundh-Satara, Bavadekar of Gagan-Bavda(Kolhapur)and Panditrao of Bhor.and many more[4][5]

[edit] Deshastha History: Association with Pathare-Prabhus & Early migration to Mumbai island

When Chimaji Appa attacked the Fort of Vasai in 1739-40, Pathare Prabhu Khanduji Mankar and Yajurvedi Brahmin Antaji Kawale played important roles in the battle. The Peshwas promised Antaji the jahagir of Malad but after the deaths Bajirao Peshwa, Chimaji Appa and Antaji Raghunath, Balaji Bajirao Peshwe alias Nanasahib Peshwe reneged on their promise. Nanasaheb Peshwe being a 'Konkanastha Brahmin' followed the advice of his relatives. The Konkanasta Brahmin in his kingdom started harassing the Deshastha Brahmins. This also affected the Yajurvedi Brahmins who had arrived with the Pathare Prabhus in Northern Konkan. On the advice of his supporters Balaji Bajirao Peshwe destroyed the Yagnas of the Yajurvedi Brahmin and disallowed the chanting of the 'Brahma Gayatri Vedak Mantra' by them. He humiliated them as 'Palsi'. Fed up with the humiliations by the Peshwas, Yajurvedi Brahmins left the Peshwai. According to the advice of the Rajguru, all Yajurvedi Brahmins and Pratihaar Prabhus migrated and settled in Bombay and started working under the British regime. Over the years these Pratihaar Prabhus became Pathare Prabhus.[5]


[edit] Deshastha Society & Culture

Image of Renuka of Mahur, deity for many Deshastha families
Image of Renuka of Mahur, deity for many Deshastha families

Deshastha — like all other Brahmins — trace their paternal ancestors to one of the seven sages, the saptarshi. This way they classify themselves into eight gotras, named after the ancestor rishi. Deshastha have two sub sects, Rigvedi and Yajurvedi. Inter-marriage between these sub sects was uncommon until recently, although there is no taboo against this.

Like most families in Maharashtra & other states of India, Deshastha families also have their own "unique" family deity, Kuldevta, usually the Goddess Parvati, known by different names such as Bhavani,Renuka, Amba, etc. Despite being the most popular deity amongst Deshastha and other Marathi people, no family regards Vitthal or other Avatars of Vishnu as their Kuldevata. Balaji may be an exception though. A number of families have Khandoba and Balaji as their Kuldaiwat. Balaji is regarded as a form of Vishnu by most Hindus but as Shankar, for example, by the Lingayat community. The Kuldevta is invoked on auspicious occasions like weddings and initiation ceremony (munja or Upanayanam) to obtain her blessings. Families also make pilgrimage to their Kuldevta temples after an auspicious occasion. The location of the Kuldevta temple may give a clue as to the original abode of a particular family because families may have chosen a particular temple as Kuldevta for geographical proximity.


Like most other castes in India, Deshasthas are a patrilineal society and children derive their group or caste association from their father.

By tradition, like other Brahmin communities of Southern India, Deshastha Brahmins are lacto vegetarian. The special dishes for Deshastha and some other Marathi communities may be the simple toor dal varan. Metkut is another Brahmin specialty. Deshastha use black spice mix or kala masala in the cooking. Traditionally, each family had their own recipe for the spice mix. However, this tradition is giving way to housewives buying the mixed spice pack directly from retailers. Puran poli for festivals is another Marathi Brahmin special dish.

Image of a Deshastha woman in the traditional nine yard sari
Image of a Deshastha woman in the traditional nine yard sari

Deshastha women traditionally wore a nine yard sari. The way they wore the nine yard sari was different from women of other castes. Unlike women from other caste groups in Maharashtra, Deshastha women traditionally do not cover their head with their sari. Men wore dhotis again in a "Brahmin way." For religious ceremonies men & boys wore a coloured silk dhoti called a "sovale". In modern times, women mostly wear the five yard sari. Salwar kameez and Western clothes are popular amongst the young.

Despite decades of campaign against casteism, Deshastha tend to be mostly endogamous. However, marriages between Deshastha and other Maharashtrian Brahmin communities such as Karhade and Kokanastha, Devrukhe,GSB are common. Marriages between Deshastha and CKPs in urban area also take place in large numbers. Marriages between Maharashtrian Deshastha and Kannada Deshastha are also common, particularly in the border region of the two states. Marriages between Deshastha & other non-brahmin castes do take place in small numbers. Deshastha differ from Kokanstha in allowing cross-cousin marriages (a man marrying his maternal uncle's daughter). Due to concerns about genetic defects, this practice is dying out. Ironically, unrelated men and women of the same gotra are considered related and therefore marriage between people from the same gotra is considered incest.

[edit] Social and political issues: Before British raj

During ancient and mediaeval periods, Deshasthas (and Brahmins in general) rose to prominence in Indian society, primarily due to their emphasis on spiritual life and scholarship, particularly in terms of their expertise in the Vedas and the attendant religious rituals. Most of the administrators in the government of Shivaji Maharaj were Deshastha Brahmin. Deshastha influence waned during the rule of Nanasaheb Peshwa(Especially during 1750s) who belonged to the Konkanastha-chitpavan sub-caste. For example, city of Miraj was actually recaptured by PantPratinidhi from Mogul control, but Nanasaheb Peshwa gave the “jahagir” of Sangli-Miraj to Sardar Patwardhan despite the latter having no role in recapturing Miraj Actually,such practice of giving ‘Jahagir’(Ownership of Province) to the relatives of political people was abolished by Shivaji Maharaj. After death of Shahu Maharaj (Grandson of Shivaji) in 1749, Nanasaheb Peshwa took many such decisions in favor of his relatives from Kokan; this policy has affected many Deshastha accountants, clerks, Military persons working with in Maratha empire as a result deshasthas lost many posts right from senior level (Amatya- Military Accountants, Phadanvis-Finance secretary) to junior level of clerks and priest. Sardar Vinchurkar, Sardar Mujumdar, Sardar Purandare, Sakharam Bapu Bokil and Sardar Panse, Rajas of Aundh (Satara District), the PantPratinidhis and Bhor, the Pandits played major roles in the military and administration of Maratha empire from 1713-1818.

Unfortunately, until recent times, like other high castes of Maharashtra and India, Deshastha also followed the practice of segregation from other castes considered lower in the social hierarchy. Until a few decades ago, a large number of Hindu temples, presumably with a Deshastha priest, barred entry to the so called untouchables. This practice died out due to the campaigns conducted by leaders like Veer Savarkar, Sane Guruji, K. B. Hedgewar and non Brahmin leaders like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule. Legislation outlawing caste discrimination after Indian independence may also have played a part in eliminating the segregation and untouchability.Dr. Govande was a one of the supporter of Mahatma Phule. Mahadev Ambedkar another Deshastha bramhin had helped Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in later's early schooling career. Babasaheb had expressed gratitude about his Ambedkar guruji many times in his speech.

Unlike other castes and tribes in India, Deshastha do not have a caste Panchayat to arbitrate in matters relating to disputes involving caste members.

[edit] Social and political issues: Modern Era (British raj & Post-independence)

Pramod Mahajan
Pramod Mahajan

Even after the fall of the Maratha empire, many Deshastha -ruled states remained nominally independent under British rule.. Later, during the British raj they were also the first to acquire English education and served as administrators during the British rule in India. Such a relatively privileged life during the colonial period led to resentment from other castes.Deshashthas and other marathi brahmins were the primary targets during the anti-Brahmin riots in Maharastra in 1948 following Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. The rioters burnt homes and properties owned by brahmins. However, in some instances, the rioters also killed their brahmin victims. It took years for them to recover from this situation. Some took it constructively and migrated to Cities in search of work. “Kool Kayda”, a Reformist-Agriculture- Land Law after Independence, worsened their situation in rural area and was another motivation for them to migrate to the cities. In Maharashtra, Deshasthas and other brahmin groups have been politically marginalized since Indian independence. Quotas & reservation for disadvantaged groups in government jobs and Higher Education have led to further squeezing of opportunities for brahmins everywhere in India. In recent decades, with the rise of the right wing , BJP & Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, a number of Deshastha politicians rose to prominence. Notable among them are the late Pramod Mahajan and Manohar Joshi. On the left of the political spectrum, one can mention National level Communist leader Shripad Amrut Dange. Deshastha have also demonstrated their leadership in the Education sector Notable examples include Dr. Narhar Hirwe, founder of Royal Society of Science, Mumbai in 1935 and Dr. Mujumdar of Symbiosis. Please refer to list of Deshastha Brahmins of distinction for Deshastha contribution to various fields.

In recent time,the anti-brahmin hate group Sambhaji Brigade attacked Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute of Maharashtra in January 2004, claiming that the Institute had defamed Shivaji. Later the Sambhaji Brigade issued statements reflecting anti-Brahmin sentiments. They also hate Ramdas Swami- a revolutionary saint from 17th century. Recently, the same organization had demanded the removal of Dadoji Konddeo from the Statue of Child Shivaji ploughing Pune's Land at Lal Mahal, Pune. They also threatened that if their demande were not met, they would demolish that part of statue by themselves.

[edit] Deshastha Women

Deshastha teenage girls from 1950s
Deshastha teenage girls from 1950s
Sonali Kulkarni
Sonali Kulkarni
Sudha Kulkarni-Murthy
Sudha Kulkarni-Murthy

The deshastha woman from the past is portrayed as woman draped in a nine yard saree. Such dress is becoming rare among deshastha women now. Traditional deshastha women, both married and unmarried wear a "kunku" (red dot, also known as kumkum/sindoor/bindi) on their forehead and married women always wear the mangalsutra. This is a sacred gold necklace tied by the bridegroom around the bride's neck and along with kunku serves the same purpose as the wedding ring to signify the married status of a woman. Being a patrilineal society, a deshastha woman becomes part of her husband's family after marriage and adopts the gotra/lineage as well as the traditions of her husband's family.

Decades ago, deshastha girls used to get married to the groom of their parents' choice by early teens or before. Even now girls are married off relatively early (late teens) by rural less educated Deshastha families, Also in the past, a Deshastha widow was never allowed to re-marry, while it was acceptable for deshastha widowers to re-marry. Deshastha widows at that time used to shave their heads and wear simple red sari. The woman also had to stop wearing the kunku /bindi on her forehead. Basically, widows had to lead a very austere life with little joy. Needless to say, divorces were non-existent.All of these practices have gradually fallen by the wayside over the last hundred years, and modern Deshastha widows lead better lives and younger widows also remarry.

Sudha Murthy was the first woman Mechanical Engineer from India. She also became first woman employee of Tata Motors. Her contribution in the formation of India’s one of the most admirable company,Infosys was much valuable in the early struggling years of the company in the early 1980s.

A Prominent deshastha woman in contemporary time is Anjali Vedpathak Bhagwat the leading Indian rifle shooter. In 2002 Commonwealth Games at Manchester, she won four golds in the individual and pairs events of Air rifle and Smallbore Rifle (Three positions). Also mentioned should be Sheetal Mahajan who is the First Indian woman to reach both North and South Poles. Another significant contributor is Sonali Kulkarni, a leading actress in Hindi movies.


[edit] Rituals, Ceremonies and Festivals

Although many rituals that were practiced in ancient times are no longer followed, some traditions are continued to this day. The rituals, ceremonies and Hindu festivals described below are also followed by other Marathi people or Hindu communities. Unique Deshastha traditions are mentioned where possible.

Deshasthas are initiated into rituals at the time of birth. At that time, a horoscope is made for the child based on the position of the stars. Then the child undergoes the naming ceremony (barsa). During the ceremony the child's paternal aunt (father's sister) has the honour of naming the infant. In Gujarat, children are named according to the letter associated with a particular birth-sign (Ras in Marathi). However, this tradition is either not followed in Maharahtra or the name according to the ras is kept hidden in order to ward off possible black magic. When the child is one year old, the first cutting of the infant's hair (jawal) is a significant ceremony too.

When a male child reaches his seventh birthday he undergoes the initiation thread ceremony known as munja or Upanayanam. From that day on, he becomes an official member of his caste, and is called a dwija (translated in English as "twice-born"). In ancient times, the boy was sent to gurukula to learn Vedas and scriptures. The boy was expected to practice extreme discipline during this period known as brahmacharya. He was expected to lead a celibate life, living on alms, and surviving on selected vegetarian saatvic food and observing considerable austerity in behaviour and deeds. Though such practices are not followed in modern times by a majority of Deshasthas, all Deshasthas boys undergo the sacred thread ceremony before marriage. Twice-born Deshasthas perform annual ceremonies to replace their sacred threads (called Jaanva in Marathi) with new ones on Shravan full moon day (Narali Pornima in Marathi). Like most other Hindu communities, Deshasthas have a shrine called devghar in their house with statues, symbols, and images of various deities. Satyanarayana Puja is also performed for special occasions. Ritual reading of religious texts called pothi is also popular.

A Deshasthas marriage ceremony includes many elements of the traditional Marathi or Hindu wedding ceremonies. Briefly, it consists of Seemant poojan on the wedding eve. The dharmic wedding includes the antarpat ceremony followed by the vedic ceremony which involves the bridegroom and the bride walking around the sacred fire seven times to complete the marriage. Modern urban wedding ceremonies conclude with an evening reception.

The other extremely important rituals for the Deshasthas are the death ceremonies. All Deshasthas are cremated according to Vedic rites, usually within a day of the individual's death. The death rites include a 13-day ceremony. The ashes of the departed are immersed at a confluence of two rivers (sangam) or the sea. Like all other Hindus, the preference is for the ashes to be immersed in the Ganga river or river Godavari. There is also a yearly shraddha that needs to be performed. These rituals are expected to be performed only by male descendants (preferably the eldest son) of the deceased.

Other rituals for different occasions include Vastushanti (entering a new house) and Satyanarayan Puja.

In traditional families, any food is first offered to God as naivedya, and then eaten. Food is not considered to be consumed before this religious offering. In contemporary Deshasthas families, the naivedya is offered only on festival days.

Deshasthas follow the Shaka (Saka) Hindu calendar. The following are just a few of the many festivals observed by Deshasthas.

Gudi Padwa Gudi or Victory pole
Gudi Padwa Gudi or Victory pole
  • Gudi Padwa: The year starts on the first day of Chaitra known as Gudi Padwa which falls around March or April of the Western calendar. A gudi or victory pole is erected outside the house on this day. The special dish on the day includes shreekhand. Neem leaves are eaten on this day to ward off illness during the new year. Gudi Padwa like Diwali Padwa and Dasara is considered one of the 3 and half auspicious days of the Marathi calendar and astrological charts need not be consulted for conducting important ceremonies such as weddings. During Chaitra women also hold a Haldi-kunku celebration. Chaitra is, however, considered inauspicious for weddings.
  • Ram Navami and Hanuman jayanti, the birthdays of Shree Ramchandra and Hanuman respectively are also celebrated in the month of Chaitra. Sunthwada/dinkwada, a snack usually eaten by new mothers is the snack of the day for Ram navami.
  • Narali Pornima - On this Shravan full moon day, Deshastha men change the sacred thread. In northern India, this day is celebrated as Raksha bandhan. Marathi people in general have adopted the Raksha bandhan tradition of sisters tying a rakhee on the wrist of their brothers. A special sweetened rice with coconut, called Narali Bhat in Marathi is the special dish of the day.
  • Janmashtami - Birthday of Lord Krishna on Shravan Vadya ashtami is observed with a fast. Gopalkala, a recipe made with curd (yoghurt) , pickle, popped millet (jondhale), chilli, salt etc. is popular , especially amongst kids.
clay Ganesh murti worsipped during Ganeshotsav
clay Ganesh murti worsipped during Ganeshotsav
  • Ganeshotsav- Festival of Lord Ganesh. Through, Lokmanya Tilak's efforts Ganeshotsav became a public celebration a century ago. However, Deshasthas families also install their own clay (called shadu in Marathi) Ganpati in their house on Ganesh Chaturthi. The private celebration can go on for 1 1/2 days to full 10 days according to each family's tradition. A Modak (steamed rice dumpling usually with a jaggery/coconut filling) is a sweet prepared for this occasion, and is considered the favourite of Lord Ganesh. Ganeshotsav also incorporates the Gauri festival. Deshasthas install statues of the Gauri. Kokanstha brahmins on the other hand use special rocks as symbols of Gauri.
Diwali oil lamps
Diwali oil lamps
  • Navaratri - the nine-day festival of Durga culminates in Vijayadasami (Dasara). This is the one the three auspicious days of the year. Traditionally, stars need not be consulted for starting a new project on this day. People also exchange leaves of Apti tree as symbol of gold. During Navaratri women and girls hold bhondla, a singing party in honor of the Goddess.
Replica fort as part of Diwali celebration
Replica fort as part of Diwali celebration
  • Kojagiri Pornima (Ashwin Pornima) on autumn Full Moon night is celebrated with sweetened milk. The first born in the family is also honoured on this night.
  • Diwali - The festival of lights is celebrated over five days. The Deshasthas celebrate this in their unique style by waking up early in the morning and having and oil bath. People light their houses with lamps, and burst fire crackers over the course of the festival. Special sweets and savories like anarse, karanji, chakli, chivda (Bombay mix), ladoo are prepared for the festival. Colorful Rangoli are made in front of the house. Kids make a replica fort in memory of Shivaji, the great Maratha leader.
Chakli
Chakli
  • Makar Sankranti - This mostly falls on January 14 when the Sun enters Capricorn. In Maharashtra, the day is celebrated by giving and receiving sweets made of jaggery and sesame seeds called tilgool and halwa. During the exchanging of the sweets, people say to each other in Marathi "Til-gool Ghya aani God Bola" (rough translation: Please accept my til-gool & be friendly to me or Take sweet, talk sweet"). Special chappati with jaggery (gool poli) is the dish of the day.
  • Shivaratri - Worship day of Lord Shiva. The Lord Shiva is pleased with austerities, so no sweets are prepared. A chutney made the fruit of Kawath tree is the specialty of this day.
Puranpoli-Speciality of Deshastha family
Puranpoli-Speciality of Deshastha family
  • The festival Holi falls in Falgun, the last month of the marathi Shaka Calendar. Deshastha celebrate this festival by lighting a bonfire and offering puran poli to the fire. In North India, Holi is celebrated over two days with the second day celebrated with throwing colors. Maharashtrians and Deshasthas celebrate color throwing five days after Holi on Rangpanchami.

Deshasthas keep certain days for fasting. Some of the days Deshasthas fast are, Ekadasi, Chaturthi Shivaratri, Janmashtami & Hartalika for women. A lot of people fast during the week in honour of a particular god, for example, Monday for Shiva, Saturday for Maruti and Shani (planet Saturn) etc. A cursory look at a Marathi calendar will show dates for pilgrimage to various temples & shrines of various saints. A popular destination for Deshastha is the shrine of Sant Dnyaneshwar at Alandi in the month of Kartik November.

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

  1. Molecular insight into the genesis of ranked caste populations of western India by Sonali Gaikwad and VK Kashyap

[edit] Deshastha Surnames & Families

A large number of Deshastha surnames are derived by adding the suffix - kar to the village from which the family originally hailed. So, for example, Bidkar come from town of Bid. Some prominent Deshastha with ‘Kar’ surnames are Kusumagraj(Vi Va Shirwadkar), Famous Scientists such as Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar and Marathi Film Actor Sachin Khedekar. The names Kulkarni, Deshpande and Joshi are very common amongst Deshastha Brahmins and denote their professions. For example, Kulkarni means revenue collector and Joshi means Astrologer. In the list complied Deshastha families are classified using the Rigvedi / Yajurvedi subgroup (shakha), Gotra, the families' Kuldevta and the town / village of origin. As this list gets filled up, common Deshastha surnames like Kulkarni, Joshi & Deshpande will be repeated several times because these denote different families or more precisely different clans. From the list it can also be found out that the Adawadkar and Ghotkar families are related and belong to the same clan because they have identical gotra, kuldevta and are both rigvedi. Other related pairs are Bhalerao / Pol and Dixit / Shouche.

Table of Deshastha Surnames

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Surnameǘ Deshastha
Sub-group (Shakha)
Gotra (Rishi lineage) Kuldevta (Family Deity) Family’s Town / Village of Origin
Acharya Yajurvedi Vishwamitra Sri Subrahmanya of Kukshi, South Canara, Karnataka
Airani Rigvedi Mounabhargava Ranebennur, Hubli, Dharward, Karnataka Airani is a place between Ranebennur & Harihar, Karnataka
Agavekar Rigvedi Unknown Bhavanimata Tulajapur
Agnihotri Rigvedi Unknown Mhalsa Devi of Trimbakeshwar Nasik
Ambadkar Rigvedi Kashyap Khandoba Of Jejuri Ambad, Jalna District, Maharashtra
Ambekar Yajurvedi Paing Renukadevi of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra Adilabad, Andhra Pradesh
Ambekar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Narsinha of Karanja, District Amravati. Maharashtra Unknown
Anaspure Yajurvedi Lohit Bhavani of Tuljapur Unknown
Adawadkar Rigvedi Kashyapa Renukadevi of Mahur, District Nanded Maharashtra Unknown
Alekar Yajurvedi Prachinas Khandoba, Alegao. Unknown
Ambike Yajurvedi Kashyap Khandoba, Sidhanath & Bhavanimata of Tuljapur Unknown
Ane Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Anagare Rugvedi Kashyap Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur Unknown
Annachhatre Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Aparajit unknown Unknown Shree Renuka Mata Devi of Mahur, District Yavatmal, Unknown
Aphale Rigvedi Bharadwaj Shree Yamai Devi of Aundh, District Satara, Jyotiba of Kolhapur Masur and mahuli Dist Satara
Apsingekar Rigvedi Jaamadagni Laxmi Narsimha Swamy, District Dharmapuri, Andhra Pradesh
Argade Rigvedi Gautam Narsimha Temple(Narsimha) of Neera - Narsimhapur Unknown
Aranke Rigvedi Shandilaya Mahalakshmi Temple(Ambabai) of Kolhapur Mahuli, Satara Dist.
Arcot Rigvedi Kashyapa Shree Venkateshwara Swamy/Balaji of Tirupati, Bhavani of Tuljapur Unknown
Ashtekar Unknown Unknown Shree Yamai Devi of Aundh, District Satara Unknown
Atale Yajurvedi Angiras Mahalakshmi of Ganoja (Amravati) Unknown
Atre [Rigvedi]] Atri Shakambari-Banshankari Badami Karnataka
Atre Rigvedi Unknown Unknown Unknown
Bag Rigvedi Gautam Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik)
Bajikar Rigvedi Kashyap Subrahmanya
Bakshi Rigvedi Gautam Balaji
Ballal Rigvedi Atri Renukadevi of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra Pahur, Yavatmal Maharashtra
Bansod Yajurvedi Gautam Balaji
Bavare Rigvedi Vasishtha Bhavani of Tuljapur
Bavikar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Narsimha of Nira Narsingpur Bavi, Barshi, Solapur
Belapure Rigvedi Haritasya Shree Venkateshwara Swamy/Balaji of Tirupati,Jejuri Khandoba & Bhavani of Tuljapur Belapure(Shrirampur),Diat.Nagar settled at Karad,Dist.Satara Maharashtra
Belsare Rigvedi Bharadwaj Bhavani of Tuljapur
Bildikar Rigvedi Koushik Renuka Mata of Mahur Unknown
Bhalerao Rigvedi Kashyapa Bhavani of Tuljapur ,Renuka of Mahur Unknown
Borkar Yajurvedi Bhardwaj Bhavani of Tuljapur Unknown
Bhandare Yajurvedi Krushnatri Bhavani of Tuljapur and Khandoba of Jejuri Vita (Sangli District)
Bhargav Rigvedi Bhargav Bhavani of Tuljapur, Khandoba of Jejuri Unknown
Bhargave Yajurvedi Bhargav Renuka of Mahur, Balaji of Tirupati, Khandoba of Jejuri Unknown
Berde Yajurvedi, Bharadwaj Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik), Nashik, Pune
Bhawalkar Yajurvedi Shukla, Madhyandin Unknown Unknown
Bhise Unknown Haritasya Unknown
Bhome Rigvedi Jamadagni Khandoba of Jejuri, Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur Bhimashankar [Pune]
Bhonde Rigvedi Kashyapa Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur
Bhopale Unknown Unknown Unknown
Bidkar Yajurvedi Bhardwaj Unknown District Bid, Maharashtra
BADVE Rigvedi Kashayap Khandoba of Jejuri Mahrashtra Unknown
Bobde Rigvedi Vasishtha Gopalkrishna of ?????
Bobade Rigvedi Kaushik Shri Ram of Ayodhya
Bodhani Yajurvedi Kashyap Renuka of Mahur, Balaji of Tirupati, Khandoba of Jejuri Kadus, Pune
Bokil Rigvedi Jamadagni Jejuri Khandoba & Tuljapur Bhavani
Borate Unknown Unknown Unknown
Borawar RigVedi Shrivatsa RajRajeshwar
Brahme Rigvedi Kashyapa Krishna of ?????
Burange Yajurvedi Kashyapa Shree Venkateshwara Swamy/Balaji of Tirupati Nachangaon.Maharashtra
Burkule Yajurvedi Upamanyu Renuka of Chandwad, District Nashik. Maharashtra
Cavale Rigvedi Atreyasya Unknown Indore, (Madhya Pradesh, Malwa) & Nagpur, (Maharashtra)
Chaskar Unknown Unknown Unknown
Chati Rigvedi Vasishstha Narsinha of Neera Narsingpur, Tulja Bhawani of Tuljapur. Solapur, District Solapur, Maharashtra
Chati Yajurvedi Gargya Akkabai of Thanegaon Dist:Wardha MOWAD, District Nagpur, Maharashtra
Chapalgaonkar rigvedi Bhardwaj Bhavanimata of Tuljapur, Shri Balaji(Venkateshwara) of Tirupati Gud, Bhavani of Chapalgaon
Chaudhari Unknown Vasishtha Unknown
Chavare Yajurvedi-Shukla Kaushik Yamai Devi of Aundh, District Satara, Khandoba of Jejuri Bagalkot, Karnataka, Other BORDER Districts of BOTH Maharashtra and Karnataka
Chaware Yajurvedi-Shukla Madhyandin Kaushik Yamai Devi of Aundh, District Satara, Khandoba of Jejuri Bagalkot, Karnataka, Other BORDER Districts of BOTH Maharashtra and Karnataka
Chindhade Unknown Unknown Unknown
Chitrav Unknown Unknown Unknown
Chitnis Rigvedi Kashyapa Jejuri Khandoba
Choudhari Rigvedi Unknown Renuka of Mahur
Chouthai Yajurvedi Vasishtha Chandrala Parmeshwari of Sannati, District:-Gulbarga, State:-Karnataka
Chouthai Rigvedi Vasishtha Ekvira devi Miraj
Chaudhary Rigvedi Kashyapa Bhavani of Tuljapur, Shri Balaji(Venkateshwara) of Tirupati
Chumbhale Yajurvedi Mounas Renuka Devi
Dabade Yajurvedi Garg Yogeshwari devi of Ambejogai
Dabir Rigvedi Shandilya Khandobaand Bhavani Jejuri and Tuljapur respectively
Dabhikar Rigvedi Atri Bhavani devi of Tuljapur
Dadegaonkar Rigvedi Kashyapa Bhavani devi of Tuljapur
Dagaonkar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Raj Rajeshwar of Vemulwada
Dahale Yajurvedi Rathitar Renuka of Mahur,or Jagdamba of Matapur
Dahigaonkar Yajurvedi Vatsa Shri Mohiniraj, Newasa. Ahmednagar
Dahigaonkar Rigvedi Haritasa Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra Dahigaon in district Buldhana,Maharashtra
Dandavate Rigvedi Unknown Unknown
Dande Yajurvedi Atri Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded
Dange Yajurvedi Gargya Shri Balaji(Venkateshwara) of Tirupati
Dahanukar Yajurvedi Unknown Unknown Dahanu
Dahasahasra Rigvedi Vatsa Renukadevi of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra Nagpur
Dani Yajurvedi/Rigvedi Kashyapa [ShriMohiniraj]] of Newasa, Mhalsadevi Of Ahmednagar & Shri Venkateshwara Of Tirupati Pune, Ahmednagar, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Karnataka, Other Border districts of Dakshin-South Maharashtra and Uttara-Northern Karnataka
Dani Rigvedi Vasishtha Khandoba Of Jejuri & Bhavani Of Tuljapur Mahur District Nanded
Dani Rigvedi Vishwamitra Bhavani Of Tuljapur Darwha District Yavatmal
Dane Rigvedi Vasishtha Khandoba Of Jejuri & Bhavani Of Tuljapur
Danke Rigvedi Bharadwaj Tirupati Balaji
Darvekar Yajurvedi Unknown Unknown
Dashputre Rigvedi Gautam Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik)
Dashputre(Suratkar) Yajurvedi (Krishna Yajurvedi) Gautam Laxminarsimh Renukadevi-Mahur & Khandoba Puntamba, District Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra
Dastane Yajurvedi Udhalaka Renukadevi-Mahur & Khandoba-Jejuri, Pune Bhusaval/ Pune
Degalurakar Unknown Unknown Unknown
Deo Yajurvedi Shounak Shri Mohiniraj, Newasa. Ahmednagar Nashik
Deo Rigvedi Vasishtha Narsihna
Deodhar Yajurvedi-Shukla Madhyandin Pautam Renuka/Ekveera of Mahur, District Nanded Saikheda, District Nasik, Maharashtra
Deolankar Yajurvedi-Shukla Madhyandin Kashyapa Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded,[[Maharashtra] Deolana, District Aurangabad, Maharashtra
DeoLe/Devale Yajurvedi/Rigvedi Atri/Munibhargav shreekrishan
Deolalikar Rigvedi Kaundinya Balaji Deolali, District Nasik, Maharashtra
Deoras Rigvedi Bharadwaj Mahalakshmi of Ganoja, District Amaravati
Deshmukh Rigvedi Kapi Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik)
Deshmukh Rigvedi Atri Mahalakshmi Temple (Tulja Bhawani) of Tuljapur, Vidul - Taluka Umarkhed, District Yavatmal, Maharashtra
Deshmukh Rigvedi Vasishtha Mahalakshmi Temple(Ambabai) of Kolhapur, Khandoba of Pali,
Deshpande Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Bhavani of Tuljapur, Khandoba of Pali
Deshpande Yajurvedi Vatsa Renuka of Chandwad, Khandoba of Jejuri
Deshpande Rigvedi Kashyap Bhavani of Tuljapur, Khandoba of Jejuri
Deshpande Rigvedi Vasishtha RenukaMata of Mahur
Dev Unknown Unknown Unknown
Dhepe Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Renuka Mata of Jevur(Dist.AhmadNagar Sonai Ahmadnagar Dist.
Dhavse Yajurvedi Shandilya Renuka Mata of Mahur Nashirabad, District Jalgaon, Maharashtra
Dharane Yajurvedi Gautum Bhavani ofTuljapur
Dharmadhikari rigvedi jamadagni Mahalakshmi Temple (Ambabai) of Kolhapur
Dharwadkar Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Dhavlikar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Banashankari devi of Badami, Karnataka, LaxmiNarasinha Unknown
Dhaygude rigvedi Bharadwaj Bhavani of Tuljapur Unknown
Dhoble Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Dhodapkar Unknown Jamadagni Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik) Unknown
Dhotre Yajurvedi Unknon unknown Unknown
Dhondse Rugvedi Kanva Tulja Bhavani Unknown
Dhulekar Rigvedi ShriVatsa Unknown
Digde Unknown Unknown Unknown
Dingre Rigvedi Vasishtha Sri Narsimha Swamy of Narsingpur, Maharashtra
Diwan Rigvedi Shrivatsa Yellamma of Soundatti,dharwad & Vitthala of Pandharpur
Diwanjee Rigvedi Gautam Mahalakshmi Temple (Amba-bai) of Kolhapur , Gokul Basveshwar Unknown
Dixit Yajurvedi Vasishtha Matambadevi of Trimbakeshwar Unknown
Dixit Rigvedi Kashyapa Bhavani of Tuljapur and Jyotiba of Kolhapur Unknown
Dole Rigvedi Bhargav Mahalakshmi Temple (Amba-bai) of Kolhapur and Jyotiba of Kolhapur Unknown
Dravid Rigvedi Bharadvaja Margasaheshvara near Vellore, Tamilnadu, Ambabai of Kolhapur
Dudhmande Rigvedi Haritas Shri Renuka Devi Mahur Unknown
Dushi Yajurvedi Bhardwaj Shri Khandoba Of Jejuri, Renuka devi of Mahur Kharda
Edki Rigvedi unknown unknown unknown
Ekbote Rigvedi Vasishtha Balaji
Erande Rigvedi Atri Bhavani Of Tuljapur
Gabale Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Renuka Of Mahur
Gadakari Unknown Unknown Unknown
Galgali Unknown Unknown Unknown
Gandhe Rigvedi Bhardwaj Morgaon Ganpati Mayureshwar,Yamai Devi Rashin, District Ahamadnagar, Jejuri Cha Khandoba
Gangathade Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Renuka mata, Mahur
Garge Yajurvedi Gargeya Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra
Garkhedkar Rigvedi Vishwamitra Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik) Jejuri Cha Khandoba A.P. Garkheda Tal. Jamner, Dist. Jalgaon
Garud Yajurvedi Kaundinya Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra
Garware Yajurvedi Gautam Balaji of Tirupati
Gaydhani Yajurvedi Unknown Unknown
Ghatpande Unknown Unknown Unknown
Ghayal Rigvedi Bharadwaj Khandoba of Jejuri, Bhavanimata of Tuljapur
Gawfale Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Sri Balaji of Vashim, Maharashtra
Ghirnikar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Sri Venkateshwara Swamy of Tirupati
Gholap Yajurvedi Kaundinya Sri Renuka mata of Mahur, District Nanded
Ghodke Yajurvedi Shandilya Khandoba of Jejuri, Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur
Ghotkar Rigvedi Kashyapa Shree Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded
Girgaonkar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Shree Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded
Gosavi Yajurvedi Vasishtha Shree Khandoba,Bala Tulaja Bhavani,Tlq Phaltan,Satara Unknown
Gosavi Rigvedi Vasishtha Unknown
Gramjoshi Yajurvedi Bhargava Shri Saptashrungi Niwasini of Vani (Nashik) Nagpur since 12TH century
Gumaste Rigvedi Vasishtha Shree Malhari-Mhalsakant of Mangasoli, nr. Miraj, Ekvira of Kolhapur
Gunthe Rigvedi Vatsa Aai Bhavani of Tuljapur, Dist. Osmanabad, Khandoba of Jejuri
Hamine Rigvedi Kashyapa Manur Devi of Near Mazalgaon, District Beed. Maharashtra
Hardas Yajurvedi Atri Unknown Nagpur
Hatvalne Rigvedi Shandilya Jejuri khandoba
Hedgewar Unknown Unknown Unknown
Hinge Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Mohiniraj near Newasa
Hirwe Rigvedi Unknown Unknown
Inamdar Rigvedi Vishwamitra Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur
Ingale Unknown GARG NEERA NARSHIMAPUR
Indurkar Rigvedi Gautam Mahalakshmi Temple
Itkikar Rigvedi Kashyap Shree Renuka (Shree Kshetra Mahur)Dist-Nanded Itki Villge near Daryapur,Dist-Amravati
Jatkar Unknown Vishwamitra Shree Bhavani Mata of Tuljapur
Jere Rigvedi Bharadwaj Unknown
Jambekar Rigvedi kaushik Bhavani of Tuljapur. Khandoba of Jejuri Mahalsa Narayani of Mardol, Goa
Jamkhedkar Rigvedi Bhargava Unknown
Janorkar Yajurvedi Kaushik Unknown
Javle Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Ekveera Devi of Lonavala
Jinasiwale Unknown Unknown Unknown
Joshi Yajurvedi Vatsa shriMohiniraj of Newasa
Joshi Yajurvedi Bhargav ShriMohiniraj of Newasa
Joshi Yajurvedi vashishtha shriBhavani of Tuljapur
Joshi Unknown Unknown Shree Yamai Devi of Aundh
Joshi Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Patna devi Chalisgaon, Jalegaon and Khandoba Jejuri, Pune
Joshi Rigvedi Kashyapa Yogeshwari devi of Ambejogai,Shree Manudevi Satpuda ,dist.Chopda Jalgaon Dondaiche dist.Dhule
Joshi Rigvedi Jamadagni Shree Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded
Joshi Rigvedi unknown Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur
Junnarkar Yajurvedi Vatsa Venkateshwara of Tirupati
Kalamkar Rigvedi Atri Mahalakshmi Temple(Ambabai) of Kolhapur
Kadegaonkar Rigvedi Vasistha Bansahankari of Badami, Karnataka
Kale Yajurvedi Parashar Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik), Keshav Govind
Kale Rugvedi Parashar Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik), Keshav Govind
Kale Rugvedi Gautam Shri Khandoba, Jejuri, Shri Mahalakshmi, Kolhapur and Shri Tuljabhavani, Tuljapur, Maharashtra
Kalwint Rigvedi gargya panchling
Kajale Yajurvedi Kashyapa Renukadevi of Mahur, District Nanded Maharashtra
Kamble Rigvedi Vasisthya Korthan cha Khandoba Sangamner, Pune, Mumbai, A.Nagar
Kanade Rigvedi Gautam Tulajabhavani, Tulajapur
Kand Yajurvedi Jatukarna Balkrishna & Kandai Devi of Otur district Ahmadnagar
Kandharkar Rigvedi Haritasya Sri Venkateshwara Swamy of Tirupati
Kandlikar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Sri Venkateshwara Swamy of Tirupati
Kanhegaonkar Rigvedi Vasishtha Sri Venkateshwara Swamy of Tirupati
Kanthe Yajurvedi Kashyap Sri Renuka of Mahur
Karhade Unknown Vasishtha Unknown
Karpate Unknown Unknown Unknown
Kasarekar Unknown Bharadwaj Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik)
Kashikar Yajurvedi Kaushika Harihareshwara of Harihar
Kasture Yajurvedi Unknown Renuka of Mahur
Kaujalgikar Unknown Vashishtha Khandoba of Jejuri
Kavimandan Rigvedi Kaundinya Bhavanimata of Tuljapur
Kavishwar Rigvedi Vishwamitra Renuka devi of Mahur, district Nanded
Kaviskar Unknown Unknown Kedarnath dev of Khed, district Ratnagiri
Kenge Yajurvedi Kaushik Renuka Chandwad, Dist Nashik, Khanderao Jejuri Pune
Keskar Rigvedi Vishwamitra Shree Yamai Devi of Aundh, Shree Siddhanath of Mhaswad, Satara
Kevale Unknown Unknown Unknown
Khankhoje Rigvedi vashistha Renuka of Mahur
Khair Unknown Unknown Shree Siddhanath of Mhaswad, Satara
Kapde Yajurvedi Shandilya Saptashrungi,Vani
Khedkar Rigvedi Shandilya Sri Narasimha Swamy
Kerhalkar Rigvedi Kashyap Renuka Mata Jalgaon Jamod (Now in Akola)
Khire Rigvedi Vashishtha Shri Malhari Martand(Khandoba),Revdi,Satara. Revdi,Satara But from 1948 shifted Pune & from 1994 Some live in Thane.
Khole Unknown Unknown Unknown
Khond Yajurvedi Kashyapa Balaji of Tirupati
Kholkute Rigvedi Vasishtha Shree Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded
Khiste Yajurvedi Rohinya Balaji of Tirupati, Renuka of Chandwad, Nasik
Khisti Yajurvedi Kashyapa Balaji of Tirupati, Bhavani of Tuljapur
Kinhikar Rigvedi Shandilya Renuka Devi, Mahur, Dist. Nanded
Koranne Rigvedi Harith/Vasishtha Mahalaxmi /Ambabai Kolhapur/Shree Malhari Mhalsakant Khandoba
Koralkar Yajurvedi, Shuklapakshi upamanyu Khandobaraya Jejuri/ Tulja Bhavani Tuljapur/ MahalaxmiKolhapur
Kothalkar Yajurvedi Vatsa Shri Mohaniraj Maharaj / Nevase , near Ahmednagar
Kotwal Rigvedi Vasishtha Shree Malhari Mhalsakant/Khandoba, Nimgaon Dawadi near Pune
Kshirsagar Rigvedi Vasishtha Shree Narsimha/Narasimha Laxmi, Neera Narsinghpur, district Pune
Kuber Unknown Unknown Unknown
Kudrimoti Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Venkateshwara, Balaji, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Kulkarni Rigvedi Agasthi Bhavanidevi of Tuljapur, Khandoba(Malhari Martand) of Jejuri Ashti,Bid,Maharashtra
Kulkarni Rigvedi Vasishta Lakshmi OF Havalgi and Tirupati Venkateshwara Kakkameli,Sindagi, Vijapur, Karnataka
Kulkarni Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Ekveera
Kulkarni Yajurvedi Bharadwaj [Renuka.]Chandwad Dist.Nashik, Khaderao Jejuri Pune
Kulkarni Rigvedi Vasishta] Shakhambari of Karnataka
Kulkarni Rigvedi Bharadwaj Laxmi-Narasimha of Islampur, Bhavani Devi of Tuljapur
Kulkarni Rigvedi Mudgal Bhavani Mata of Tuljapur,Khandoba of Anadur Near Naldurg
Kulkarni Rigvedi Vishwamitra Dongarai of Kadegaon
Kulkarni Unknown Parashar Unknown
Kulkarni Rigvedi Bharadwaj Bhavani Devi of Tuljapur
Kulkarni Yajurvedi Kashyap Yogeshwari Devi of Ambejogai
Kulkarni Rigvedi Atri Durga/Amba/Harinai of Bhushangad
Kulkarni Rigvedi Kashyap Yamai of Aundh
Kulkarni Rigvedi Kashyap Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra
Kulkarni Yajurvedi Vasishta Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik)
Kulkarni Rigvedi Mudgalya Renuka (Yellamma) of Saudatti, Karnataka
Kulkarni Yajurvedi Gargya Bhavani of Tuljapur
Kulkarni Rigvedi Unknown Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik)
Kulkarni Yajurvedi Gautam TuljapurBhavani & Khandoba Unknown
Kulkarni Rigvedi Kaushik Tuljapur Bhavani & Bhairavnath Sonari Unknown
Kumbhojkar Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Kurhekar Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Lahankar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Narasimha, District Parbhani
Lakras Rigvedi Kashyap Bhavani of Tuljapur Unknown
Lasane Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Bhavani of Tuljapur
Laulkar Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Mahalaxmi and Jyotiba of Kolhapur Laul, Pandharpur, Sangola, of Solapur District of Maharashtra.
Likhite Unknown Unknown unknown
Lokapur Rigvedi Vaishnav unknown unknown
Lomate Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Bhavani of Tuljapur, kHANDOBA OF Jejuri unknown
Lotangane Yajurvedi Parashar Laxmi-Venkatesh of Tirupati,Tirumala and Kolhapur unknown
Luley unknown kaushik Renuka devi of Mahur
Madhavi Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Renuka devi of Mahur, Khandoba of Jejuri
Mahajan Yajurvedi shukla madhayandin Unknown Unknown
Mahashabde Rigvedi Shandilya Renuka devi of Mahur
Mahulikar Yajurvedi Shandilya Narsimha
Malode [Yajurvedi] Kashyap Bhavani of Tuljapur , Shri Vitthal Pandharpur
Manbhekar Rigvedi Kaundanya Mahalakshmi of Ganoja (Amravati)
Mandake Rigvedi Unknown Unknown
Mandlik Yajurvedi Shrivatsa Renuka mata of Ranisavargoan
Mandviker Yajurvedi Lohit Renuka devi of Mahur
Mangalvedhekar Unknown Atri Bhavani of Tuljapur
Mashalkar Rigvedi Gautama Maharishi Bhavani of Tuljapur
Matekar Rigvedi Gargeya Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra Unknown
Maybhate Rigvedi Atri Narsimha Temple(Narsimha) of Neera - Narsimhapur
Medhi Yajurvedi Bharadwaj ShriGanesh Talegaon Dabhade
Melgiri Rigvedi Unknown Sri Venkateshwara Swamy of Tirupati
Mhalagi Unknown Unknown Unknown
Modgi Yajurvedi Unknown Wakadmani of Chaul
Moghe Unknown Unknown Unknown
Mogre Yajurvedi Vashisth Mahalakshmi Temple (Amba-bai) of Kolhapur
Moharir Rigvedi Jamadagni Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik)
Moholkar Unknown Unknown Unknown
Mokashi Yajurvedi Dharanya Saptashrungi mata of Vani (Nashik)
Mokashi Rigvedi Bharadwaj Bhavani of Tuljapur,Venkateshwara of Tirupati
Morankar Yajurvedi Kashyapa Mahalaxmi Kolhapur
Mulay Yajurvedi Kashyapa Narsimha
Mulay Yajurvedi Vatsa Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra,Khandoba of Jejuri
Munje Unknown Unknown Unknown
Mushrif Rigvedi Shandilya Bhavani of Tuljapur, Khanderao Jejuri Pune
Musalgaonkar (Vaidya) Yajurvedi Kaundinya Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur Musalgaon ( Dist:- Nashik )
Murhekar Rigvedi Vishwamitra Shri Ekvira Devi Of Murha(Bk), Taluka: Anjangaon, District:Amravati
Mujumdar Rigvedi Vishwamitra Saptashrungi mata of Vani (Nashik),Khandoba of Jejuri
Mujumdar Rigvedi Vasishtha Ekvira devi Miraj
Mujumdar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Bhawani of Tuljapur(Tuljapur),Khandoba of Jejuri
Mungale Yajurvedi Kutsa Bhawani of Tuljapur(Tuljapur),Khandoba of Jejuri
Mungee Yajurvedi Parashar Renuka mata of Salwan Shrigonda
Nadagouda Unknown Unknown Unknown
Nadgir Yajurvedi Kashyapa Narsimha
Naik Yajurvedi Parashar TuljapurBhavani Unknown
Nanilam Rigvedi Madhwa Harithasa Shree Venkateswara Swamy of Tirupati Nanilam,Tamil Nadu
Nandedkar Rigvedi Vasishtha Ambabai of Icchapur Madhya Pradesh,Balaji of Tirupati
Nanoti Rigvedi Parashar Bhavani of Tuljapur Near Solapur, Maharashtra Unknown
Navalgund Unknown Unknown Unknown
Nisal Unknown Unknown Unknown
Padalkar Rigvedi Gargya Narasimha of Nira-Narasimhapur Solapur Maharashtra
Pagadi Unknown Unknown Unknown
Pagnis Rigvedi Vasishtha Ambabai of Kolhapur,Lord Balaji of Tirupati Indore, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh
Paithankar Unknown Unknown Unknown
Panchpor Rigvedi Vishwamitra Padmavati, Mahalsakant of Pali Venegaon Dist.Satara, Maharashtra
Panse Rigvedi Mudgal Bhavanimata of Tuljapur, Khandoba of Jejuri
Pandit Yajurvedi Bhargav Saptashrungi of Vani(Nashik) /Chandika/Chamunda/Chamundi(Mysore)
Pandharkar Rigvedi Gargya Renukamata of Mahur Dharangaon, Dist. Jalgaon
Pangarkar Rigvedi Harit Shree Balaji of Tirupati
Pangaonkar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Tulja-Bhavani of Tuljapur. Khanderao of Bale, Sholapur.
Pant Unknown Unknown Shree Yamai Devi of Aundh
Parasnis Rigvedi Kaushik Bhavani of Tuljapur
Paralkar Unknown Unknown Unknown
Parkhe Rigvedi Vasishta Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik), Khandoba - Jejuri, Tulja Bhavani
Parkhi Rigvedi Vasishta Khandoba of Jejuri, Bhavani of Tuljapur
Parnaik Yajurvedi Vatsa Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra
Paropkari Rigvedi
Pasarkar YAJURVEDI MADHYANDIN GOUTAM Shri.Renuka devi of Mahur, District Nanded
Pathak Yajurvedi/Rigvedi Kashyapa Mhalsadevi Of Ahmednagar & Venkatesh Of Tirupati & [Yamai]] Devi of Aundh, District Satara, Khandoba Of Jejuri Interior as well as border line districts of Maharashtra and northern Karnataka
Pathak Yajurvedi Bhardwaj Unknown
Pathak Yajurvedi [Vatsa]] Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra
Patharkar Yajurvedi Kaundinya Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra
Patki Rigvedi Kashyapa Narsimha of Wadi
Patki Rigvedi Bharadwaj Bhavani of Tuljapur
Patki Rigvedi Atri LaxmiNarsimh,Tuljabhavani,Shakambhari,Khandoba
Patodekar Unknown Unknown Unknown
Pattarkine Rigvedi Shandilya Venkateshwara of Tirupati
Pattekar Rigvedi Vashishta PatteDevi of Patte
Pattankar [Rigvedi] Haritasya Khandoba of Jejuri
Peshwe Rigvedi Bharadwaj Khandoba of Jejuri
Petare Rigvedi Kaushik Khandoba of Jejuri and Devi Renuka of Mahur Burhanpur
Petkar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Venkateshwara of Tirupati Ambabai of Kolhapur or Bhavani of Tuljapur
Pimplikar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra Pimpli
Pimple Yajurvedi krishnatray Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra
Pimpalgaonkar[Kulkarni] Rigvedi kashyap Narsinha-Nira narsingpur,Devi-Tuljapur,khandoba-Malegaon. [pimpalgaon-tonga]-now pashim lohta,tq.kallam,dist.osmanabad.
Pingale,Pingle Rigvedi Koushik,Kashyap Khandoba of Jejuri, Saptashrungi Niwasini of Vani (Nashik),Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur Maharashtra
Pohnerkar Yajurvedi Maunas Bhavani of Tuljapur Pohner on Godavari River in Beed District, Maharashtra
Pol Rigvedi Kashyapa Bhavani of Tuljapur
Potdar Rigvedi Kaundinya Bhavani of Tuljapur
Potdar Rigvedi Haritasya Bhavani of Tuljapur
Potnis Rigvedi Kashyapa Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded, Maharashtra
Prabhune Rigvedi Gargya Unknown
Prasad Rigvedi Jamadagni Unknown
Prasade Unknown Unknown Unknown
Pratham Rigvedi Kshalaksha Bhagwati of Chaul, Alibag, District Raigad, Maharashtra
Pujar Rigvedi Gautama Malhari Martanda
Pujari Rigvedi Bharadwaj Ekvira (Ekvira devi) of Kolhapur
Punde Rigvedi Vishwamitra Bhavani of Tuljapur
Puntambekar Rigvedi Vasishta Shree Yamai Devi of Aundh, District Satara Puntamba, District Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra
Purandare Rigvedi Bharadwaj Mahalakshmi (Amba-bai) of Kolhapur, Khandoba
Puranik Rigvedi Shrivatsa Chandrala Parmeshwari of Sannati, District Gulbarga
Purkar Unknown Unknown Narsevha
Rajadnya Rigvedi Bharadwaj Jyotiba, Ekveera Devi, Kolhapur, Maharashtra Kolhapur
Rajankar Yajurvedi Kashyap Shri Balaji Of Tirupati, Rudrayani devi of Rajankhed Akola Washim
Railkar Rigvedi Mudgal Ambabai Chowl, near Alibaug
Rajpathak Yajurvedi Katyayan Renuka Devi, Mahur, Nanded, Maharashtra
Rajguru Yajurvedi Unknown Unknown
Rao Rigvedi Athreyasya Kamakshi, Mahalakshmi
Rasal Yajurvedi Gautam Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra
Ratanjankar Kulakarni Bharatvaaj Tulja Bhavani of Ratanjan Village, DistrictBarshi,Solhapur]. Maharashtra
Ratnaparkhi Rigvedi Gargeya Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra
Ravetkar Rigvedi Viswamitra Saptashrungi of Vani (Nashik)Ravet
Rayrikar Rigvedi Atri Khandoba of Jejuri,Mahalakshmi Temple (Ambabai) of Kolhapur
Rekhi Yajurvedi Vatsa Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra
Relkar Yajurvedi Kashyapa Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra Rel/Kutasa, Tal Akot,Dist Akola
Ron Rigvedi Madhava Kashyapa Bhavani of Tuljapur
Rotkar Rigvedi Shandilya Venkateshwara of Tirupati
Rotwadkar Yajurvedi Kashyapa Saptashrungi of Vani Nashik
Sabnis Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Yamai of Aundh Unknown
Salgarkar Rigvedi Atri Unknown Unknown
Salodkar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Balaji of Washim Nagpur,Amravati,Pune
Sambre Rigvedi Bhardwaj Saptashrungi of Vani Nashik Unknown
Samudra Yajurvedi Vatsa Renuka of Mahur, Khandoba of Jejuri
Samvatsar Rigvedi Aatri Renuka of Mahur
Sant Rigvedi Kashyapaor Mudgal Saptashrungi of Nanduri Nashik,khandoba,Renuka devi- Mahur
Saptarishi Yajurvedi Upmanyu Renuka of Mahur,Mohaniraj,Narasimha Unknown
Saraf Yajurvedi Bhardwaj Balaji of Tirupati Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Saswadkar Unknown Unknown Banashankari of Badami, Karnataka Saswad, District Pune, Maharashtra
Sastikar Unknown Bhardwaj Shri Ram Unknown
Satbhai Rigvedi Kapil Unknown Unknown
Sevekari Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Shaligram Rigvedi Haritasa Khandoba of Jejuri Unknown
Shamji Rigvedi Bhardwaja Tirupati Sreenivasa Unknown
Shastri Rigvedi Kaushika Bhavani of Tuljapur Tuljapur, Osmanabad District
Shende Rigvedi Koushik Banashankari of Badami, Karnataka Unknown
Shende Unknown Kashyapa Mahalakshmi Temple (Ambabai) of Kolhapur Unknown
Shende Yajurvedi Bharadwaj Balaji of Chimur Unknown
Shirolikar Rigvedi Unknown Dattatreya of Narsobawadi, Maharashtra Unknown
Shouche Yajurvedi Vasishtha Matambadevi of Trimbakeshwar Nasik
Shrivatsa Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Shukla Rigvedi Vishwamitra Khandoba of Pali, Banashankari of Badami Unknown
Shukla Yajurvedi Atri Rama, Saptashrungidevi of Vani (Nashik) Unknown
Sirdeshmukh Rigvedi Jamadagni Khandoba of Pali Unknown
Sulekar Rigvedi Gautam Bhavani Mata of Tuljapur Unknown
Supanekar Rigvedi Kaushik Khandoba of Pali Unknown
Tadwalkar Rigvedi Bharadwaj Bhawani of Tuljapur Unknown
Tagat Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Takalkar Rigvedi Haritas Venkatesh of Tirupati
Talpallikar Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Tamane Rigvedi Haritasya Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra Unknown
Tapasvi Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Tare Rigvedi Atri Renukamata Of Mahur Unknown
Tasgaonkar Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Tayade, Tayde Yejurvedi Kashyapa Mahalakshmi Temple (Ambabai) of Kolhapur,Ambabai of Ganoja Nagpur,yeotmal, khamgaon, pune,mumbai,miraj, ghatanji, Umari(kapeshwar)
Thakar Rigvedi Kashyapa Mahalakshmi Temple (Ambabai) of Kolhapur Unknown
Thosar Rigvedi Unknown Unknown Unknown
Thite Rigvedi [Kashyapa] Tuljapur ambabhavani Thite village, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra
Tipre Unknown Unknown Unknown
Tongaonkar Unknown Unknown Unknown
Todkar Yajurvedi Kaundinya Balaji of Tirupati
Tope Unknown Unknown Unknown
Udgir Rigvedi Gautam Bhavani of Tuljapur, Balaji of Tirupati
Upadhye Unknown Unknown Unknown
Upasani Yajurvedi Saindhavayan Mahalakshmi Temple (Amba-bai) of Kolhapur, Khandoba of Jejuri
Utpat Rigvedi Vasishtha Bhavani of Tuljapur
Vaidya Rigvedi Shrivatsa Bhavani of Tuljapur, Narasimha of Parbhani
Vaidya Yajurvedi Gautam Kakmasha Mata of Karnataka
Vajurkar Yajurvedi Maunas Bhavani of Tuljapur
Vatsaraj Rigvedi Jamadagni Unknown
Visal Yajurvedi Katyayan Khandoba of Jejuri, Shri Saptashrungi Niwasini of Vani (Nashik), Maharashtra Unknown
Vyawahare Rigvedi Bharadwaj,Kutsa Shri Saptashrungi Niwasini of Vani (Nashik), Maharashtra,Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra Unknown
Vyawahare Rigvedi Kutsa Shri Saptashrungi Niwasini of Vani (Nashik), Maharashtra Unknown
Wadegaonkar Rigvedi Mudgal Renuka of Mahur, District Nanded. Maharashtra Unknown
Wadekar Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Wadikar Rigvedi Unknown Unknown Unknown
Wagh Rigvedi Unknown Unknown Unknown
Waikar Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Wavade Yajurvedi Unknown Jakhai Pimpali of Nandurbar Unknown
Walimbe Rigvedi Vasishta Khandoba of Nimgaon Unknown
Yadkikar Rigvedi Munibhargava Tirupati Balaji & Ambabai of Kolhapur Unknown
Yedurkar Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Zadgaonkar Rigvedi Kashyapa Shri Datta Guru of Karanja
Zare Rigvedi Kaundinya Mata- Ekveera Devi Unknown
Zanpure unknown Bharadwaj Venkateshwara of Tirupati