Valluvar (Tamil: வள்ளுவர்) is a sub-caste belonging to the Paraiyar community in 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]
Though Valluvars were regarded as a subgroup of the Paraiyar community by caste Hindus, Thurston mentions that Valluvars did not eat with Paraiyars.[8] Valluvar houses were generally located at a significant distance away from the parcheri where they lived.[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]
The Valluvars are also called Pandaram or Valluva Pandaram.[8] The priests of the Valluvars are sometimes called Vellala Pandaram, Thiruvalluva Nayanar.[8]
Valluvars were an untouchable caste.[9][10]
The important sub-sects of Valluvans are Paraiyan, Tavidadari and Tiruvalluvan.[11] Valluvars are broadly classified into two main sub-divisions: Arupadhu Katchi or sixty clans and Narpadhu Katchi or forty clans [11]
The Arupadhu Katchi considered themselves the descendants of Nandi Gurukkal and have his name as their gotra.[11] The Narpadhu Katchi are of the gotra Sidambara Sayichya Ayyamgar.[12] The sub-division alvar claim descent from Tiruppan Alvar.[12]
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] Some hold that the true Valluvan is one who practices astrology and that those who officiate as priests aren't true Valluvars.[11] 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]