Semwal
ClassificationBrahmin
ReligionsHinduism
LanguagesGarhwali
CountryIndia
Populated statesUttarakhand
Related groupsGarhwali people

Semwal is one of the thirty-six subcastes of Sarola Brahmin from Uttarakhand.[1] They are the sole custodians and pandits of the Gangotri temple.[2]

Etymology

The name "Semwal" originates from a place called Sem-Mukhem (Hindi:सेम-मुखेम) in Uttarakhand, abode to the shrine of Sem-Mukhem Nagraj (Hindi: सेममुखेम नागराज) often considered among the locals as the fifth shrine of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage of which the Semwals are permanent serving priests.[3][4] Apart from this, the name "Semwal" might also have originated from Sem village in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district.[5]

References

  1. ^ Saklani, Atul (1987). The History of a Himalayan Princely State: Change, Conflicts, and Awakening: an Interpretative History of Princely State of Tehri Garhwal, U.P., A.D. 1815 to 1949 A.D. Durga Publications. pp. not specified. OCLC 17918157.
  2. ^ Doval, Pankaj (28 June 2013). "Cracks appear in Gangotri temple". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  3. ^ General, India Office of the Registrar (1962). "Census of India, 1961". Manager of Publications – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Saklani, Atul (4 May 1987). "The History of a Himalayan Princely State: Change, Conflicts, and Awakening : an Interpretative History of Princely State of Tehri Garhwal, U.P., A.D. 1815 to 1949 A.D." Durga Publications – via Google Books.
  5. ^ Gopal, Ram (June 2015). "A Brief Study Of Gastronomy Of Brahmins In Uttarakhand, India". Chitkara University. 2, Issue-10.
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