SATHADHA SRIVAISHANAVAS IN FOREIGNER’S RESEARCH
Professor Robert C. Lester, University of Colorado, U.S.A. spoke on The Sathatha Sri Vaishanavas at the Kuppuswami Sastri Research Institute, Madras – 4, on 29.07.1988 he pointed out:
The Sathatha Sri Vaishnavas are a distinctive community, about thirteen hundred thousands in number spread throughout Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. For several centuries, they have rendered a variety of services in Sri Vaishnava temples as archakas, dharmakartas, guardians of temple properties and suppliers of flowers – garlands for worship etc., . There are several subsects in this community, Many follow a life style like that of the Sri Vaishanava Brahmins. Their names have the Characteristic honorary suffix-”Ayya” and the title “Daasar”. They especially revere the Sankha, the Chakra, the Naamam, Hanuman and Garuda. Above all, they honour the Aazhvaars, especially, Nammaazhvaar. They recite and use only the Aazhvaar’s hymns for domestic rituals. Most of them are disciples of Koil Annan-and Acharya Purusha of Sri Rangam. Some follow the Vaanamaamalai Math and others the Para Vastu Math at Tirupati.
In the past fifty years, they have formed local, regional and national associations for the education and upliftment of their community. They have the right to recite Prabandhams along with Brahmins in the “Iyal Goshti”. (Hymn-singing group) This was true in Srirangam upto 1942. Possibly the term “Sathatha” is a corruption of Sat-taada (Sanskrit “Sat” and Tamil Taada (D (Dhasa) meaning pure or true servent. The term “Sathatha” may also mean in Tamil, “one who does not wear the sacred thread or top-knot(sikha).
The Srirangam “koil Olugu” records that this community was serving in the srirangam temple at the time of Sri Ramanujacharya (11th century A.D) and that this Acharya assigned them special duties and services in his reorganisation of the temple.
This community was prominent in Srirangam and Kanchipuram (15th and 16th centuries) under the leadership of Kanudaadi Ramanujudasar, who was a disciple of both Koil Annan at Srirangam and Azhagiyamanaavala Jeeyar at Kancheepuram Varadarajaswami temple. They were in charge of Ramanuja Kootams.
The lecture was followed by a lively discussion, the participants being the president of the Dr. A. Thiru Venkatanathan ( Vaishnava College), Agnihotram Ramanuja Thathachariar, Prof. R.N. Sampath and others, each stressing different pertinent points.
Courtesy: INDIAN EXPRESS: 3.8.98
Also Refer :
This caste or community is in search of an identity. Hoary past notwithstanding, it is perhaps the boundary line if you consider brahmin – non brahmin continum. The brahmins brand SSVs as non-brahmins and non-brahmins think them as brahmins. This problem is for the veg stock of SSVs. From a sociological view point you have all the shades. Temple servants, agriculturist,flower vendors, turmeric vendors etc. In some places conch-blowing in temples were also undertaken by the community. It is a bunch of communities grouped under one grand name viz: SSV. There can be a networking organised to voice for the upliftment.
Probably this is the reason for marriages between Iyengars & SSVs ; between Naidus & SSVs. Is it so??? I have seen two marriages between Naidus & SSVs…..
Dear SSVs,
I would be happay when one who is seeing this mail…
I am calling you for one unity into our community
will it happen in this century?
can we find a leader for our community?
We have a time to take this for discussion….
Anybody is there?
Feel free call me….
V Madhavan
9940137716
Dear madhavan,pl;eased to see your mail. In andhra chathada srivaishnavas are well organized and had a office of their own in Hyderabada and in sevaral districts.They are trying to help our community people. Now the members of the community is well developed. more than 1000 one thosand boys and girls of hyderabad alone are in USA and Australia and in Uk and one omore thosand from other districts like Karimnagar,warangal etc.One Sri Anantha Swamy had become Vice Chancellor of Usmania University and another Prof gangadhar belonging to our commnty had becomeVice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University. More than half dozen are well placed as university professors.Atleast 5 of them had become chief engineers of the State Governments.It is a well knit community growing full in tune with changing times groping without any assistance. be proud of our community which had given the education to villagers from the begining including to late Prime Ministers Sri P.V.Narsimha Rao. Late Narasimham a forest Officer of our communty was beheaded by Veerappan in karnataka .There are more than 1000 soft ware engineers in Hyderabad and bangalore.Girls are equal in number.
wish you all the best
KarpuramVenkateswarlu Ex- President of Ap Chathada Srivaishnava Community
karpuram_venkat@yahoo.com
9849582672
Hi Madhavan,
This is Vedantham Anand Kumar, Know a days in A.P from Our SSVs Community people are contested elections in 2009 from Lok Satta party and some body from Telugu Desam party. If we keep on encouraging this guys, The Day is not far We will definetly get a Good Leader
HI SIR I TOO BELONGS TO THIS CATEGORY PLZ TELL ME FEMOUS PERSONALITIES OF OUR CAST EX. LEADER, ACTORS AND JAYALALITHA AND KAMAL HASSAN ARE BELONGS TO OUR COMMUNITY OR NOT?
They are not as for as I know. May be someone can give answers for the question regarding personalities.
Contact Me
9704714222
hi anand sir i think u know the briefly about our community i’m belongs to andhra i heard lot of members belongs 2 our community in tamilnadu and who are the famous personalities belongs to ssv’s plz post me mail
Dear SSVs,
I am 49, still I have to explain so much when it comes to caste. Because, most of the people doesn’t know about this. I was born in Andhra Pradesh, Samalkot, West Godavari Dist., But where as my Sir name indicates something strange feelings to the locals as this sounds to belong to some other state.
I don’t have much knowledge about my caste, what I can explain to them. But to day some thing I found and replying to this. Pls. keep informing me about ours.
Regards
Sagar Thirunagari
hello sir my name is sannidhi venkatesh i too belong to chattada srivishnava iam from visakhapatnam iam mailing u in response to ur mail in this site on last jan. by the way i am 24 and just completed my mbbs want to know more about our caste thats all please mail to my adress: mssmviki85@gmail.com thanku sir
hi sir im raghavendra my mail is RAGHAVENDRAXXX@GMAIL.COM I’M ALSO BELONGS 2 OUR COMMUNITY
HELLO MADAM I’M ALSO BELONGS 2 SAME COMMUNITY MY MAIL IS RAGHAVENDRAXXX@GMAIL.COM
Dear Sagar no body shall inferior by birth. Chathada srtivaishnavas are small in number, which does not mean it is a inferior community. Jews are small rather microscopic commnity when compared to Hindus, Cheristians and Muslims , yet they are well known throughout world.Chathada srivaishnavas are a total of 28000 families in andhrapradesh higher than vaiskanasa srivaishnavas, but produced two Vicechancellore of Universities in andhrapradesh and more tha 2000 soft waare Engineers are serving america and australia and u.k.We have changed a lot limping at times without support but on average our people progressed a lot. The community is organizing by having its office and publishinh monthly magazine by name chathada srivaishnava vaartha.
best wishes
karpuram venkateswarlu Ex President Ap Chathada srivaishnava community Hyderabad
9849582672
Hi Sagar, I believe your surname comes from the famous Vaishnavite Town called Azhwar Thirunagar in Thirunelveli District in Tamil Nadu. Great Nammal Azhwar is from this town.
Regards
Maadhavan
Dear All,
I am SSV, please join my Facebook Group ” Sattada Srivaishnava” to discuss/ delve on the subject.
My Facebook Profile name is “Kinshuk udayakumar”
Warm Regards
Kinshuk
hello i am tejesh from chennai i wanna know about shape of ssvs namam pls help me with your reply thank you
This is quite interesting. As far as I know, our community in Andhra Pradesh has a “Sangham ‘ of it’s own. Some people have really made effort and we own a building too.
As per facts, the SSV’s in andhra are mostly non-vegetarians. I know a few relatives in our community who do “archakatwam” in temples.
dear sir,
i would like to know our caste history in Tamil. please help me sir.
Hi Umashankar,
Please see the link below
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_184061911614071&id=205803992773196#!/home.php?sk=group_184061911614071&ap=1
This will give lot of information.
Sreemathe Ramanujaya Namah.
Sathatha Sri Vaishnavas or Chattada Sree Vaishnavas are a distinct community basically devoted to the servitude of Lord Sreemannarayana. They scrupulously follow the dictates and preachings of Bhagavad Ramanuja and that of the twelve Alwars. In Andhra Pradesh, they are rendering excellent service in Vaishnava temples as Archaka swamys, taliga swamys and Divya Prabandha Parayanadars, though they neither claim nor recognized as Brahmim Sree Vaishnavas. They have infinite faith in the Visishtadwaita Sampradaya and maintain such traditional discipline and decorum and focus their commitment to the Jeeyar Sampradaya.
The Endowments Department in Govt of Andhra Pradesh
appointed them as Archaka swamys in Vaishnava temples at Kondagattu (Karimnagar Dist), Manyamkonda(Mahabubnagar Dist) and Penchalakona (Nellore Dist).
The State Institute of Temple Administration (SITA) of theEndowments Depts has developed training modules to strengthen and promote the form of Pancharatra Agama worship in the temples where these revered communityis functioning as Archakas, lest the community may not sustain further if not promoted in good number, since their progeny are opting for professional courses and the existing number may get gradually reduced.
Chhattada Sree Vaishnavas deserve encouragement, support and patronage in social, economic, cultural and religious fields further.
provided them berths as Archaka Swamys in certain prominent temples li
Respected Vijayaraghavacharyalu swami
1. As Director, SITA and your background in vaishnavism, you have lamented for the present status of this community and urged them to come back to the mainstream in temple administration.
As is the case of different communities who have abandoned temple service this community has also lost the oppurtunity and lay marginalised.
In a democratic country, the temple service can be only voluntary. Your institute may consider (perhaps in conujunction with sree venkateswara university) degree and PG courses in Pancharatra Agama with apprentice training being compulsory.
2. SSVs are the next best thing (NBT).
In tamilnadu there is no need for the NBT ie SSVs in temple service – historically as well as presently and ;the special temple service SSVs were doing have been taken over by other mirasdars.
Even Sripadam Thangis are not spared.
3. However in AP and Karnataka, the SSVs were and are attached to temple service and this continues.
But for Srirangam, the SSVs are fully absent and washed out in other Divya Desams and other vaishnavite temples in Tamilnadu.
4. I thank you for the regards you have shown to this community and the pains you have taken to enlighten this community to utilise the oppurturnity the Government is providing. Your coming to this face book page itself is a divine will.
5. I am sure suddha sampradaya SSVs who are eligible and are interested will seize the oppurtunity and rise upto the occasion. Service in temples is service to God and society and the Govt is ensuring the livelihood and it augurs well.
Krishnamohan
Hi I am sureshbabu from tamilnadu. I am intersted to know about our community. Keep post on it. There is also a group in facebook. We can be together with facebook.
THANK YOU MADHAVAN FOR YOUR ARTICLE WHICH I HAVE GONE THROUGH SHORTWHILE AGO
Dear All,
In Tamilnadu Adiyen knows some countable number of persons doing archaka kainkaryam in their village.
Adiyen Ramanunajadasan
Its a wonderful article posted and am glad to c so many reply’s coming around. Yes it is true that uplift of the community is necessary. We have to device ways inorder to get an Identity in the society. Though we do have a monthly magazine circulated from hyderabad office still lot of people dont even know the events and activities being conducted in AP. I hail from Anantapur and lot of people from our community are performing archakatvam in and around anantapur.
If people think we are small in number lets take an example of small countries like japan and singapore and build an identity for ourself.
We do have the talent and administration potential but lacking the world best method of development. TEAMWORK.
Start working together will reach the destiny of Identity and Origin.
Dear Dilip, YOu know in Hyderabad our community is doing service to our people by giving scholorships to bright students and organizing archaka trainingsEts. You can organize in ananthapur bu educating poor people about the welfare programmes of Govt and aassiting needy to get assitance.
Karpuram Venkateswarlu
Ex president of Ap Chathada Srivaishnava communty
9849582672
karpuram_venkat_venkat@yahoo.com
Hi Dear all SSVs I read all the posts and felt very happy. I too strongly feel that our community should come up in always. Let me introduce myself, I am Bhadragiri Venkata Jagadheesh working as LIC Development Officer in Rajamahendri, Andhra Pradesh. My mother’s surname is Tirunagari. I want to know my “GOTRA”, because I recently heard that “RAMANAJU GOTRAM” is not correct and there is a separate gotra’s for each and every Surname. so kindly clarify my doubt.
hi
myself Thirunagari Jeeraiah suri
you are asking GOTRA for Thirunagri is ‘PARASHARA’
i want chattada srivashnav kothiram
Namaskaram Jagadeesh Garu,
Are you asking for gotra of thirunagari or for bhadragiri? Also, am not sure what you mean by saying Ramanuja Gotram is \”not correct\”. Some claim Ramanuja Swamyvaru was married, and had children so their descendents came to be called Ramanuja Gotra. Some claim their forefathers were indebted to Ramanuja Swamyvaru for saving them from exile or death or escaping from enemies; and thus adopted His name as gotra to indicate they are reborn or survived due to Him. It appears they were Bharadvaja Gotra before adopting Ramanuja Gotra. Which version is correct is very difficult to say. Maybe both are right.
From some books i understand Ramanuja Swamygaru was married at the age of 16 to a girl named Thanjamamba or Rakshaamba. But a shortly after His marriage His father namely Asuri Keshava Somayaji, passed away. After this He went with His wife and mother to stay at Kanchipuram where His cousin\’s family lived. However, His marriage was not a happy one. At the age of 18, He became a tridandi. It is not clear if He renounced family life after becoming a tridandi. it is also not clear if He had children from His marriage.
If Ramanuja Swamygaru had children, it may not be very difficult to trace His lineage. Maybe if you contact Parakala Mutt, it may help you.
Best Wishes.
srimate Ramanujaya ..adiyen iam upendra swamy from hyd….sriman Raghavacharya and sriman krisnamohan views are contemperory..in my view chattadas are only real vishnu bhaktas..why because they does not wore yagnopavita or shikha…if some one wear this they chant gayatri..chattadas chant only astakshari..they dont pray other than vishnu.In RAMANUJA period MANAVALAMAHAMUNI period shattadas were in great position. we must save this sampradaya ..PULLAKHANDAM UPENDRASWAMY.shattada srivaishnava sat sampradaya parirakshana samiti.NALAYIRA GOSTI..
S.Sriprabhu,
salem
hai this site very useful community
any information : 9003315792
In my opinion those who accept Acharya Ramanuja as their guru and get initiation through manthropadesam are one and there is no room for caste based identity. It is appropriate for the followers of Acharya Ramanuja to be identified as Ramanujites and nothing else. I am a sri vaishnava . In the present socio political state in our country the best solution to preserve and promote sri vaishnavism is to come under a common i e Ramanujaism. UNITY IS STRENGTH .BUT, UNITY IS POSSIBLE ONLY UNDER COMMON IDENTITY.
Ramdas Garu,
You have said a very beautiful thing.
God Bless.
hi,
i am ASURI SANJAY from hyderabad. my no. is 08985970289.
thanks to madhavan garu for enlightening on the location of TIRUNAGARI. i request to enlighten on ASURI and TIRUKOVELURI as well.
I think it is THIRUKOVELA as many from Andhra Pradesh has Thirukovela as surname, the name Thiru means “Sacred” and Kovela means “Temple”, which is non other than Sri Ranganatha Temple – in – Sri Rangam. Thirukkoilur is near Thiruvannamalai and Thirunagari is near Sriperumbadur both in Tamil nadu.
hi,
Sanjay this is nagaraj thalluri. There was a brief history about us and the name ASURI. I will tell u in telugu.
పార్వతీ పరమేశ్వరుల కళ్యాణ సమయంలో విశ్వకర్మకూ, అగస్త్యునకూ జరిగిన వాగ్వివాదం వలన అగస్త్యుడు సృష్టించిన ద్రవిడభాష నిరసనకు గురై నిరాదరింపబడింది. ఆ భాషకు తగిన గౌరవాన్ని పునస్సంతరించడానికీ, అజ్ఞానాంధకారంలో కొట్టుమిట్టాడుతున్న జీవులకు మోక్షమార్గం ఉపదేశించడానికీ దక్షిణ దేశంలో అవతరించమని శ్రీమన్నారాయణుడుతన దేవేరులకు, ఆయుధాలకు, పరివారానికి, చిహ్నాలకూ ఆదేశించాడు. అందుకు అనుగుణంగా భూదేవి గోదాదేవిగానూ, ఇతరులు వేరు వేరు ఆళ్వారులుగానూ అవతరించిరి. విష్ణువే శ్రీదేవీ సమేతుడై శ్రీరంగము, కంచి, తిరుమల వంటి పుణ్యక్షేత్రాలలో అవతరించి వారి సేవలను అందుకొన్నాడు. పొయ్గయాళ్వారు పాంచజన్యము అంశ అనీ, నమ్మాళ్వారు విష్వక్సేనుని అంశ అనీ – ఇలా ఒక్కొక్క ఆళ్వారు ఒక్కొక్క విష్ణుసేవకుని అంశ అని చెబుతారు.వీరినే ఆ సురిలని , ఆసూరిలు అనగా సూర్యుని అంతటి శక్తి సంపన్నులని అంత వెలుగుని లోకమంతతికి వ్యాపింప చేసే వారని అర్ధం .
మన ancestors లో చాలామంది పేర్లు ఆసూరితో end అయ్యేవట . i .e రామానుజ ఆసూరి. ఐతే చాల మంది ఆసూరి place లో only సూరి అని మాత్రమే వ్రాస్తున్నారు .
ఇక తిరు అంటే three అని అర్ధం కోవెల అంటే temple. అంటే మూడు నామాల వాని గుడి లేదా వైష్ణవ ఆలయం అని అర్ధం .
ఇహ పొతే చాల మందికి తెలియని విషయం who are SSVs. Azwars వ్రాసిన Tamil వేదాలను భగవద్ రామానుజ చార్యుల సమక్షంలో వైష్ణవ ఆలయాలలో మాత్రమే especially ఆనాడు కేవలం శ్రీరంగం and కాంచీపురంలోని వరదరాజస్వామి temples లో మాత్రమే వినిపించేవారు .
మనది ఒక caste కాదని లేక intercaste వాళ్ళ ఏర్పడిన మరో caste అనిన్ని చాలామంది అనుకుంటారు. కాని ఇందుకు మూలం కూడా మన వైష్ణవ అగ్రహారంలోనే బీజం పడిందని అంటారు .
Azhwarla లో 5 గురు non brahmins కాగ అందులో దళితులు మరియు శూద్రులు కూడా ఉన్నారు . Azhwar లలోనే అత్యంత శ్రేస్తుడైన Nammalzhwar ఒక tribal కావడం (Vellala Caste), వారిచే రచింపబడిన Vedas ను మరియు తక్కిన 11 గురు వ్రాసిన పద్యాలనూ లేదా పాసురాలను కలిపి దివ్య ప్రబంధం గా దివ్య ఆదేశాలుగా త్రిమతాచార్యులలో ఒకరైన నాతముని చేత క్రోడికరింపబడ్డాయి . దాన్ని అగ్రహారం పెద్దలు అంగీకరించలేదని వారు సంస్కృత వేదాలను మాత్రమే విద్యాలయంలో నేర్పించేవారని తదనంతర కాలంలో దాన్ని రామానుజచారి వెలుగులోకి తెచారనిన్ని ప్రతీతి.
అగ్రహారంలోని ఎందరో రామానుజాచార్యుల వారి అనుయాయులు ముందుకు వచ్చి తమిళ వేదాలను నేర్చుకోన్నారట. వీరినే తదనంతర కాలంలో “Tekalai batch Sri వైష్ణవాస్” గా పిలిచే వారు. ఇది విప్లవంగా మారుతున్న తరుణంలోనే సాంప్రదాయ అగ్రహర పెద్దలు veerini ika ఉపేక్షించకుడదన్న ఉద్దేశ్యంతో అప్పటి మహారాజైన రెండవ కులతుంగ రామానుజుల వారిపీ ఉన్నవి లేనివి సృష్టించి శ్రీరంగం నుంచి బయటకు పంపేల చేసారట . ఐతే కొందరు తమ భార్య పిల్లలతో బయటకు వచ్చేస్తే మిగిలినవారు ఎందరో తిరిగి వారి గూటికే చేరారట.
బయటకు వెళ్ళిన రామానుజులవారి అనుయాయులైన వారందరినీ అప్పటి పెద్దలు Sathathin(చనిపోయిన or dead) Sri Vaishnavas అని పిలిచేవారని అదే తదనంతర కాలంలో Sathani or Chattadan మార్చబడిందని మా పూర్వికులు చెబుతారు . వీరిపైనే అగ్రహారం వేటు వేసినదని వారిని కూడా గెంటి వేయించారని అంటారు . Koil Olugu రికార్డ్స్లో కూడా deenipaine ఒక మాట ఉంటుందిదిట . రామానుజాచార్యులు వెళ్ళే ముందు వీర్కి ప్రత్యెక కార్యక్రమాలు అప్పగించారని అమ్డులోనిదే ధనుర్మాస దీక్ష అని కూడా అంటారు .
అక్షయపాత్ర విశిష్టత :
పూర్వం పాండవులు తమ అజ్ఞాత వాసాన్ని కొనసాగించే సమయంలోనే అక్షయపాత్ర సృష్టించ బడింది అనిన్ని , అది వారి భుక్తికి ఉపయోగపడిందని చరిత్ర .
ఇహ మన సంగతి ఆనాడు మన వాళ్ళు బయట పద్య కథలుగా 108 దివ్య క్షేత్రాల చరిత్రను జనులందరికి చెప్పి Jeeyar ల ఆశ్రమానికి తేవడం ప్రతి ఒక్క SSV pani. సాధారణంగా మన వాళ్ళలో కొందరు ధనుర్మాస దీక్షకు వెళ్తారు . ఆ సందర్భంగా వచ్చిన తృణ ధాన్యాలతో సంబందిత జీయర్ల సమక్షంలో గోదాదేవి రంగనాధుల వివాహం జరిపించేవారట . కాని క్రమంగా వారు అన్నింటినీ విడనాడి స్వచ్చందంగా స్వతంత్ర్యంగా ఉండడం మొదలైంది. మిగిలిన వారిలో అతికొద్ది మంది మాత్రమే కొందరు వైష్ణవ ఆలయాలలో పూజారులుగా, చాలా వరకు ఆలయ ప్రాంగణంలో పూల తోటలను మరియు ఆలయ ఆస్తులకు రక్షణ కల్పించేవారట. కాని 1942 లో జరిగిన ఒప్పందంతో మన తమిళ ప్రభందాలను వారి వేదాలతో కలిపివేసి మన పౌరోహిత్యానికి గండికొట్టారు. అంతటితో అధికారికంగా మనం Non-Brahmin గా గుర్తించబద్దాం.
If this could be translated in to English it will benefit many.
Regards,
Maadhavan TJ
hi i am Dr.DASYAM SURESH veterinary doctor 27 years not married, i have interest to know about my cast ,PLZ TELL ME FEMOUS PERSONALITIES OF OUR CAST EX. LEADER, ACTORS AND JAYALALITHA AND KAMAL HASSAN ARE BELONGS TO OUR COMMUNITY OR NOT?my contact number 09440666886
Dear All,
The presetnday Sathada Sri Vaishnavas were supposedly organised as a single community by Sri Manavala Muni and Pillai Lokacharya. However, there used to be archakas in Vishnu koils long before Ramanuja swamyvaru Himself; who either followed agamas or ancient tribal customs of making offerings. It should not be a surprise that in some koils (including siva and amman koils) non-veg was also offered. Though it may be hurtful to some, it is a fact that non-veg or animals were offered as sacrifices even in homams in the past.
Of late there is wrong information that Vaishnavism is new. This is totally wrong. Vaishnavas and Jains share elements common to both the religions, before diversification into seperate religions. That is, various religions are derived from an ancient tribal past, before each sought to distinguish itself right down to the minute level. The elements of Vaishnavam existed in practice, long before Sri Ramanuja Swamy garu. For example, one of the earliest historical references to Ramayana is from an inscription dated 329 AD. Similarly, the tamil sangam classic perumbanarrupadai dating to around 200 BC mentions Ilam tiriyan as an ikshvaku from the vamsa of Rama.
While it is a fact that some kings assumed god like status and portrayed themselves as Vishnu avataras (which happened even in Indonesia), no one knows who was the original Vishnu.. Perhaps the original Vishnu was pre-vedic dating long before the vedic period. Or perhaps Vishnu as a concept simply denoted the nature element Sun as some passages in the rig do.
While there is anthropomorphism, zoomorphism, etc associated with any religion, there are also philosophical concepts, which developed either independently or parallely. Philosophies were developed by various classes and groups since an ancient time. The concept of religious surrender is ancient and rather untraceable. Maybe before the period of Nathamuni, many more prabandhams were composed and disappeared into oblivion without being recorded.
It must be noted that in the old times, there was no birth based restriction. Anyone could become a prapanna or adiyen surrendering himself or herself to the Lord. I personally feel the concept of religious surrender was borne out of a concept of romanticism, which included deep loyalty, devotion and a sense of giving up everything to a ‘concept’ of God.
Birth-based rigidity started in chola times. Cholas adopted Saivism and persecuted Vaishnavas. Ramanuja swamygaru did His best to protect Vaishanavas and organised Vaishnavism into a proper religion, putting together the liturgy, corpus texts and compositions of what came to constitute Srivaishnavism. Ramanuja swamy garu employed Sathatha Srivaishnavas in various temples services. Hence they are also known as ‘koil srivaishnavas’. It is very much possible that in that time period it was not politically feasible to go against an establishment following strict caste system or go against dharmashastras.
Thankfully vaishnava practices such as panchasamskaram remained free of varna and jati bias. Till date they give hope to every individual that no matter what jaati, every human is spiritually endowed. This is indeed a very important and powerful spiritual message. Yet during and after the period of Ramanuja Swamygaru, jati-varna bias possibly took root in Vaishnavam.
It was sometime around that period that Pillai Lokacharya and later Manavala muni organised Vaishnavas into a single brotherhood asking them to give up caste identities like sacred thread and devoting themselves completely as Vishnu bhaktas. Both brahmins and non-brahmins alike responded to this reform call. These probably added to the numbers of Satthata Srivaishnavas, who undoubtedly existed even before the time of Ramanuja swamyvaru.
Yet, caste bias came to exist in Vaishavam.
The Census Report of 1931 states “the request that the name Sattani may be changed to Sattada Sri Vaishnava could not be accepted because Sri Vaishnava is the distinctive name of one group of Brahmins and the Sattani community is not generally treated as a Brahmin community”.
Apparently SSVs were dubbed shudras in various colonial records. Some claim to escape such ignominy some SSVs became balijas and started claiming either Vaishya or Kshatriya varna.
No matter what varna or no-varna, there is no doubt that SSVs played a role as archakars since possibly a very ancient period. Yet, owing to the fact that they either gave up or did not follow dharmashastras, they were not recognised as brahmins.
The SSVs are of Telugu origin. In Andhra, SSVs have crytallised into a seperate caste unto themselves. However, there are also SSVs of Tamil origin (usually vellalars). But some certain telugus claim they (vellala mudaliyars) were originally of telugu origin too. Anyways, whatever may be the linguistic affiliation, as a whole, today, SSVs still claim to be brahmins, though largely following agamas or associated with minor temple duties.
It is even claimed some SSVs follow dharmashastra prescribed rituals in present time, though am yet to ascertain how far that is true. However, the overall position of SSVs is like the trisanku swargam of neither here nor there. They are not recognised as brahmins by other brahmins; while non-brahmins look upon them as brahmins. Someday hopefully everyone will recognise that to seek God, such social identities are not required (for that matter, neither does one require a religion for that purpose).
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Disclaimer: All information above is given to the best of my knowledge. Please cross-check if you wish to arrive at conclusions.
Sir,
I am very glad to go through your research like detailed analysis of our caste. It very interesting and at the same time you tried to establish the historical fact how we had lost our identity. It is true, during Chola region or even after the invasions my Muslim rulers and also English our country went through many tremors in religion. At the same time we should not forget that our Bharath Desam is the one which has glorious past and also the cradle of many cultures and religions. In the light of above and also with your points, you rightly concluded that it is enough to show surrender towards God to attain Moksha. We are here to do some good to human that is what Srimath Ramanjuachariya spread by the way of his Vaishnavism. Attaining God by the way of humane and kindliness are the lessons taught by our Achariyas. At the same time, we should not forget that one great being in the name of Nayarana is there to make us to act. I am accepting your view.
Thanks and regards
Muralidharan
http://dravidaveda.org/ : Is very useful site to learn the meanings of Nalayira Divya Prabhandham
I am very much happy on reading this. I am belong from same community from chennai.
please free to call me 9445828069
i too love this discussion
hi sir im ramu my mail is ramu0070@GMAIL.COM I’M ALSO BELONGS 2 OUR COMMUNITY
So it becomes apparent (after all of the analyses posted here ) that SSvs have century and centuries of long history where they had been worshipping the deity Lord Vishnu or Lakshmi, doing guru service and divine temple services and doing harm to nobody. They even lost their identity of “brahmins” either due to certain reasons mentioned in the posts or due to present day’s of lack of awareness. Neverthless, many of us silently follow the brahminism similar to that of Iyengars, but unrecognised. It is accepted that true conscience,love to all, service to man are keys to moksha. But is also important that through awareness about the positive aspects as well as past glory of srivaishnavism, we should bring ourselves to the limelight. Better to spread the messages like potentials of SSvs, key customs/duties of SSvs, dos and don’t of srivaisnavism, if any, etc. to our youngsters atleast, so that we could revive our glory and status
hi
please I want more details
Dharmo Rakshathl Rakshithah…….Pancha Samskaaraalu Pondi Vaishnavuluga Ujjeevinchandi…..ade mana dharmam……..
Dear madavan garu this is sharath from nizamabad dist. jakranpally village. my father name is thirunagari venkataramana, my grand father name is Thirunagari venkata narsaiah.
I realy great to know about all this things. my gotra is vishvamitra.
and one more thing i want to ask one thing what is our profession my grand father was done archakatvam in narasimha swamy temple.
can any one people from hyderabad who knows our profession please tell me.
my mail id is
sharath_thirunagari@yahoo.com
Hi Sharath, Please refer to the wikipedia link I have provided in the site for further details.
Hi Iam Koneti Sridevi and I too belong to this community. It was real valuable information about Chattada Sri Vaishanava’s. Tq very much and interested to receive more information on the same at my mail id.
Hi Sir…My name is Shiva RAM Krishna.Thinnavalli,i am working in Mylan Labs Ltd (It is USA Based Pharma Company) as HR Officer at Hyderabad…..my native place Sathupally,Khammam (Dt)….our profession archaktvam…. in Hyderabad city more doing archakatvam in temples …..it is our profession…….tsrk.hr@gmail.com
what is the difference between srivaishnavas and chattada srivaishnavas?
Hi Madhavan Garu,
Im very great full to know all about these things,im very thankful to you bcz u have shared very valuable information about SSV’s.
Thirunagari Gopi Prasad
Hi Madhavan Garu,
What is the difference between srivaishnavas and chattada sri vaishnavas?plz let us know.
i want brief explanation about “chattada sri vaishnava” in telugu.
they are Srivaishnavas who believe in “SriVishnau” but left their sacred thread and “yago
nopavitam. The difference between Roman catholics and protestents. Difference between sunnis Muslims and Shia Muslims
I request of heads of the community to encourage us youngster by forming a special youth body.Our community needs an intergated cooperation under the leadership of talented youngsters to expose the problems of our community to the world.
If anyone agree with me you can contact me.
Pavan:9985467467
Sathatha shree vaishnava has the culture of wearing sacred thread(“yajgyobaveethan”,”Poonul”) .Nowadays many of us left this culture and became non vegetarians ,even now also in tamilnadu many ssv’s doing temple kaimkaryam and there is no difference between iyengars and ssv’s. Marriages also happens between iyengars and SSV’s.But the fact is as SSv;s left their culture widely iyengars hesitate
in having Vivaha relationship with SSV;s and they hesitate to tell other about relationship even they had vivaha relationships with SSV’s.
And We have Ghothram and Pravarams as like brahmins.
People who uses Ramanuja Ghothra are people who forgot their Ghothra names as they are out of culture.Nothing stories behind Ramanuja ghothram,,
In saivism people uses Siva ghothra as they do not their real ghothra.like wise SSV’s who doesnt know their ghothra uses Ramanuja ghothra..
Nowdays in TN Iyengars wont give respect if anyone say im SSV. they consider SSV’s as sudhra…so
I request all SSV’s,
1.Please wear poonul(yAGYOBAVEETHAM)(if have that culture with your forefathers)
2.Do nithyanushtanam(sandhyavanthanam ),learn nithyanushtanam from some periyava who knows rituals well after you wore yagyobaveetham traditonally with veda reciters.
3.Go to aacharyan/Jeer and get panchasamskaram.
4.And especially to TN SSV’s try to avoid saying yourself SSV’s to othet vaishnavas(Iyengars),and register yourself Brahmins in caste certificate such as iyengars.
and one request…
Dear bandus please inform me if any one of us get marriage with iyengars and People who have the culture of wearing poonul(yagyobaveetham) and run the life like true brahmnas please reply here and contact me..
Did i said any wrong kshamikka ,,,
Adiyen Ramanuja Daasan
does chattada srivaishnavas can marry naidus??
A pure SriVaishnava need not worry about caste as along as the other person accepts Narayana is the only ultimate god. In Divya Prabhandham (v 3195), Nammalvar clarifies irrespective of caste we should accepts a person who fully believes on Sriman Narayana.
Dear sir/madam,
Irequried the gotra names with sur names
Regards,
Y.Santosh Kumar
Hi… Iam seshaiah penugonda, sub inspector of police. I belongs to varaha gotra and some of my relatives belong to vashishta gotra and some are saying as ramanuja gotra as their ancestors didnt inform them about their gotra. We observe upanayana. Can u say exactly about our pravara and all.
Dear SSV / CSV,
I have a request for our community. There are number of organisations formed across Andha Pradesh & Tamil Nadu for our community for co-operation and co-ordinations. They are doing lot of good things for the members. These organisations could also spend sometime to make the community understand their origins, the vital characteristic of Sathatha / Chatata Sri Vaishnava, importance of reciting Nalayira Divya Prabhadam, explain the life of Alwars etc. This could be soul searching activity and the youngsters will understand, who are we in a better way.
Regards
Maadhavan