Padmashali

Padmashali () or Padma Bramhana is a Hindu caste of Bramhin origin who are predominantly found in South Indian states. Padmashali Bhargava Brahmins are Rugvedi Brahmins. The community members are descendants of Markandeya Rishi. They engage as Brahmin priests for performing all rites and rituals and also perform priestly temple services for other castes.

Origin
The term Padmashali is derived from two words: padma and shali. Padma means lotus and Shali means weaver. They support their Sanskrit origin with various myths and Puranas such as Kulapurana and Markandeya Purana.

The Padmashalis claim to be descendants from Bhrigu Rishi and Markandeya Rishi, Markandeya's son, Bhavana Rishi.

Padmashalis Today
The Padmashalis divided into two groups based on Sampradaya, being the Shaivas and the Vaishnavas and they worship both Shiva and Vishnu.

Although Padmashalis are related to Brahmins, they are considered a backward (OBC) caste by the Indian government while forward caste in some states. The community is highly Sanskritised, with all men wearing the sacred thread and performing brahminical rituals. Similar to North Indian Brahmin castes, their origin relates to sages via gothras.

The Padmashalis perform Brahmin rites and even today a group who are qualified as agama shastra pandits perform the poojas and vedic rites. These are identified as Padma Brahmins.

References

Other websites
 Padmashali Network, Global 
 Padmashali International Welfare Association, Vijayawada
 POPA - Padmashali Officials and Professionals Association 
 World Padmashali Foundation
 Padmashali Samaj Seva Sangh - an informational portal for Padmashalis 
 Karnataka Padmashali Sangha 
 Weavers Welfare Trust 
 Nirmal Padmashali Sanstha 
 Akhil Padmashali Samaj 
 Padmashali Graduates and Students Association 
Telangana Padmashali Udyogula Sangam
North American Padmashali Association
Padmashali 
Category:Hindus
Category:Ethnic groups in India