Ashtasahasram is a sub-sect of the Iyer community of Tamil Brahmins from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Regions with significant populations | |
---|---|
Tamil Nadu | |
Languages | |
Brahmin Tamil | |
Religion | |
Hinduism | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Iyer, Tamil people |
The Ashtasahasrams as Iyers belong to the Smarta (Shaivite) tradition, along with the Vadamas, Brahacharanams, Vadyamans/Madhyamans, and the Kanials/Kaniyalars. However, the Ashtasahasrams are smaller in numbers and are considered inferior to the first two Brahmin groups.[1]
The Ashtasahasrams follow the Taittirīya śākhā of the Kr̥ṣṇa Yajurveda.[2]
They are Aparaśikhā Brahmins, who wear their traditional hair tuft towards the back of their head.[3]
The Ashtasahasram community is further sub-divided into four groups:[4]