Ambalavasi, more properly Ampalavasi, (IAST: Ampalavāsi; lit. 'temple-dwelling') is the generic name for a group of castes among Hindus in Kerala, India, who have traditionally rendered temple services.[1]
The Ambalavasis are broadly divided into two groups, being those who wear the sacred thread and those who do not.
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Main article: Pushpaka Brahmin |
Though all Ampalavāsis have to do service in temples, they have sufficiently distinct functions to perform. Pushpakans and Nambeesans are teachers in the Pathasalas or Mutts and suppliers of flowers to temple.[1] Chakyar stages dramas called Kooth and Koodiyattam.[4] Marars are temple musicians. Variar and Poduval did managerial and executive functions of temple committees and served as storekeepers and watchmen.[5]
Their ritual rank in Hinduism lies between that of a Brahmin and Nair.[6][7][8][9] Ambalavasis were known as Antharala Jathikal.
Kazhakams or Ambalakkazhakams refer to associations of Ambalavasi peoples in a temple to perform specific duties in the temple.[10]
Traditionally, Ambalavasis are associated with various types of temple arts. Earlier, each of these temple arts were performed only by specific Ambalavasi castes. Now there is no community or caste barrier.[citation needed]
| Temple Art | Associated Ambalavasi castes |
|---|---|
| Koodiyattam | Chakyar[11] |
| Kooth | Chakyar,[12] Nangyar (women of Nambiar)[13] |
| Certain roles of Krishnanattam | |
| Mizhavu (Musical Instrument) | Nambiar[14] |
| Thullal | |
| Pathakam | Nambiar[15] |
| Theeyattu | |
| Ilathalam (Musical instrument) | |
| Vadyams (Musical instruments) like Chenda, Thimila, Idakka, Udukku etc. |
Marar[3] |
| Sopanasangeetham | |
| Panchavadyam | |
| Thayampaka | |
| Pandi Melam | |
| Panchari Melam | |
| Brahmanippattu | Brahmani (women of Nambeesan)[16][17] |