Sthanika Brahmins
Kuladevata - Shri Subrahmanya Swami
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| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Indian states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala | |
| Languages | |
| Tulu, Kannada and Sanskrit | |
| Religion | |
| Sootra: Ashwalayana Sutra |
Sthānika Brāhmins belong to Hindu Pancha Dravida Tuluva Smartha Brahmin group. They are the oldest Tulu Brāhmins primarily from the coastal Karnataka (Kanara) also known as Parasurama Kshetra.
They are one of the oldest brahmins of South India and are referred to in many ancient historical inscriptions as;Sthanapanthulu,Sthanadhikari,Sthanatthar,Sthalatthar,Sthanapadiyan,Stahliathiri,Thaliathiri,Thaniker,Sthanikar,Buddhivantha, Sthānādhipathi, Sthānādhyaksha or Tuḷu brahmins. Sthānika Brahmins of south canara are referred to as Subrahmanya Sthānika Brāhmins as Lord Subrahmanya is their kuladevata and Kukke subramanya temple was their main center until the 16th century. Sthānika Brāhmins are followers of Advaita Philosophy and practice the Panchayatana form of worship. They are disciples of the Sri Sringeri Jagadguru Samsthanam from the time of Sri Adi Shankara.
Sthānika Brahmins are a sect of Hindu Smartha Brahmins.
The word Sthānika is a sanskrit word and has meanings such as 'Fixed worshiper','Chief priest of a temple', 'Manager or Administrator of temple' 'One who holds managerial position','Governor of a place', 'Tax collector', 'People of local place' etc. Sthānika Brahmins acquired their name owing to their managerial positions such as 'Chief priest of a temples' ,"Tantris", Temple administrators, tax collectors etc.
Sthānika Brāhmins history in Tulunadu dates back even before 380BC. From Historical records (stone, copper plate inscriptions and literature) ranging over a period of more than twenty centuries till the end of the 18th century, we can deduce and establish the facts, the origin, the history and the importance of the Sthānika brāhmins in the history of Tulunadu.
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