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== THE SAIVAS ==

== THE SAIVAS ==

=== Smarta Brahmins ===

=== Smarta Brahmins<ref name=":0" /> ===

The Saiva Brahmins of the Tamil Nadu have their title Byer. They are called Smartas. They all wear three horizontal lines of Bhasma or Vibhuti (holy ash) on their forehead. They all worship Lord Siva. The different sects are: 

The Saiva Brahmins of the Tamil Nadu have their title Aiyer. They are called Smartas. They wear three horizontal lines of Bhasma or Vibhuti (holy ash) on their forehead. They all worship Lord Siva. The different sects are: 

 

# '''Vadamas:''' Vada Desa Vadamas, Chola Desa Vadamas and Inji Vadamas 

1. Vadamas Vada Desa Vadamas, Chola Desa Vadamas and Inji Vadamas; 2. Brihatcharanam !\lazhainattu Brihatcharanam, Pazhamaneri Brihatcharanam, Milaghu Brihatcharanam and Kandramanikka Brihatcharanam; 3. Vathimar4 4. Ashtasahasram 5. Choliyas: Otherwise called Pandimars and inhabitants of Tiruchendur; and 6. GurukkaL A sub-sect of Vadamas not recognised as one amongst them and whose duties are to worship at temples. They are also known by the name of Pattar in southern districts of Madras. These are different from Archaks. Archaks belong to any of the above sub-sects and inter-marry with persons of other professions, but not Gurukkal or Pattar. While Gurukkal is used only for Saivites, Pattar and Archaic are used for Vaishnavites also. 

# '''Brihatcharanam:''' Mazhainattu Brihatcharanam, Pazhamaneri Brihatcharanam, Milaghu Brihatcharanam and Kandramanikka Brihatcharanam 

# Choliyas: Otherwise called Pandimars and inhabitants of Tiruchendur 

# GurukkaL  

Aadi Shankaracharya was from Smarta tradition.  

SAIVA BRAHMINS OF MALABAR 1. Narnbudiri, 2. Muse and 3. Embrantiri. 

SAIVA BRAHMINS OF MALABAR 1. Narnbudiri, 2. Muse and 3. Embrantiri.