Nambudiri

The Nambudiris ( Malayalam: നമ്പൂതിരി, Nampūtiri; anglicized also Namboothiri ) are a Brahmin Jati in the southern Indian state of Kerala. They are considered orthodox and are considered carriers of the classical Vedic religion and of the traditional Hindu code. Nambudiris follow the conservative and ritualistic Shrauta tradition ( traditional Vedic rituals ) and the Purva Mimansa, unlike the majority of other Brahmins in India who follow the Vedanta.

The Nambudiris are known for their strong sense of the caste hierarchy and the related rules of purity. In the past they already considered themselves to be contaminated if certain other groups of Brahmins they just touched. They were also the only Hindu caste in which women wore a face veil (which was abolished in 1930 ).

While the eldest sons of a Nambudiri - budget - following the customs of endogamous box - a Nambudiri woman married, the younger brothers took a woman of lower - caste Nayar and inserted themselves into the matrilineal system of Nayars.

Unlike other Brahmanenkasten in southern India Nambudiris great store on its status as a priest, and they practiced, is usually not from "normal" job. Until the land reform in 1963 in Kerala the richness of multiple Nambudiris founded (as well as the Nayar and Nair ) on their extensive landholdings. Since this land reform, there are many totally impoverished Nambudiris and Nayars that do not come due to their high caste to benefit from government support measures.

In the houses of Nambudiri or in the temples of the god Ayyappan members of the Nambiar caste lead to the ritual drama Ayyappan tiyatta.