Padmashali facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 90,00,000 (estimated) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, | |
| Languages | |
| Telugu | |
| Religion | |
_name_of_the_God_as_per_the_Vedas.svg){kind=small} Hinduism |
The Padmashali people (also called Padma Bramhana) are a community mainly found in the southern parts of India. They are part of the Hindu religion. Traditionally, Padmashalis are skilled weavers who make all kinds of clothes. They also serve as priests, performing religious ceremonies and rituals for their own community and sometimes for others.
Contents
Who are the Padmashalis?
The name Padmashali comes from two Sanskrit words: Padma, which means lotus, and Shali, which means weaver. This name shows their connection to both the lotus flower and their traditional craft.
Their Ancient Story
The Padmashalis believe their history is very old, connected to ancient stories called Puranas. They say they are descendants of wise sages named Bhrigu Rishi and Markandeya Rishi.
According to their stories, Markandeya Rishi had a son named Bhavana Rishi. Bhavana Rishi and his many sons became weavers. The very first clothes they made were woven from the strong fibers of the lotus stem. Because of this, they became known as Padmashalis, the "lotus weavers."
Padmashalis Today
Today, the Padmashali community is divided into two main groups based on their religious traditions, called Sampradaya. These groups are the Shaivas and the Vaishnavas. The Shaivas mainly worship the god Shiva, while the Vaishnavas mainly worship the god Vishnu. However, many Padmashalis respect and worship both Shiva and Vishnu.
Culture and Traditions
The Padmashali community follows many traditions similar to those of Brahmins, who are often priests and scholars in Hinduism. For example, many Padmashali men wear a special sacred thread, and they perform religious ceremonies and rituals that are similar to those done by Brahmins in northern India. Their family groups, called gotras, are also linked to ancient sages.
Some Padmashalis are highly trained in agama shastra, which is the study of temple rituals and worship. These experts, known as pandits, perform poojas (worship ceremonies) and other important Vedic rites. Because of their deep knowledge and role in religious practices, they are sometimes called Padma Brahmins.
Government Recognition
The Indian government recognizes the Padmashali community in different ways across various states. In some states, they are considered a group that needs special support, while in others, they are seen as a more established community.
Images for kids
-
The AUM symbol, important in Hinduism.
