Valluvar is a caste associated with the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They are the hereditary priests of the Pallars and Paraiyars of Tamil Nadu. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Valluvars are believed to have been the priests of the Pallava kings before the introduction of Brahmins and for sometime after their arrival. [1] The exalted position of Valluvars in the social hierarchy during those times is indicated by inscriptions which refer to Valluvars in a respectful manner. [6] Moreover, the Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar is believed to have been a member of this community [7] and there is a subsect of Valluvars claiming descent from him. [6] [3] [4] The Valluvars are also called Pandaram or Valluva Pandaram. [8] The priests of the Valluvars are sometimes called Vellala Pandaram, Thiruvalluva Nayanar. [8]
Owing to their occupation as priests, all males over twelve wore the sacred thread. [8] The Valluvars were also noted for their abstinence from beef. [8]
Valluvars were an untouchable caste. [9] [10] [11]
Valluvars follow both Saivism and Vaishnavism. Saivite and Vaishnavite Valluvars dine together, but not intermarry. [6] A particular class of Valluvars officiated as priest at Paraiyar funerals. [6] This particular class of Valluvars was known as Paraiya Tadas and were regarded as inferior by other sections of Valluvars. [6] Another section of Valluvars wear a necklace of tulsi beads and are known as Alvar Dasari or Tavadadhari. [6] The affairs of the community are handled by a caste-council. [12] The community is headed by a Kolkaran or a Kanakkan. [12] There are the hereditary astrologers of the Indian temple town of Vaithiswaran Koil and are considered experts in Nadi astrology. [13] [14]
The Valluvars generally officiate in Paraiyar marriages [14] and funerals. During such occasions, Valluvar priests used to chant Sanskrit shlokas. [14]