Saraswat History

ROOTS AND ANCESTRY OF SARASWATS

HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDDR. RAMDAS THAGGARSE

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ROOTS AND ANCESTRY

OF

SARASWATS

HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDDR. RAMDAS THAGGARSE

PURPOSEPURPOSE

To be aware of the historical genesis, To be aware of the historical genesis, spiritual and cultural heritagespiritual and cultural heritage of of a great civilization that we have inherited over the years.a great civilization that we have inherited over the years.

Despite repeated migrations, Saraswats Despite repeated migrations, Saraswats still maintain their identity, still maintain their identity, traditions and customstraditions and customs. These need to be strengthened, as our . These need to be strengthened, as our community is now scattered all over the world.community is now scattered all over the world.

Our ancestors, built temples wherever they migrated, Goa or Our ancestors, built temples wherever they migrated, Goa or Karnataka. Their sole objective was to inspire faith and devotion in Karnataka. Their sole objective was to inspire faith and devotion in God and to God and to encourage satsangs in the communityencourage satsangs in the community. Later on, in urban . Later on, in urban areas they built cooperative societies to fulfill this purpose.areas they built cooperative societies to fulfill this purpose.

To know the political, social and religious circumstances that led to To know the political, social and religious circumstances that led to the formation of our Shri Chitrapur Math 300 years ago.the formation of our Shri Chitrapur Math 300 years ago.

To cherish the great heritage of Guru Parampara and the To cherish the great heritage of Guru Parampara and the Margadarshan given by each of our Gurus inspiring us to have Margadarshan given by each of our Gurus inspiring us to have inherent faith in God, charity towards all and malice towards none and inherent faith in God, charity towards all and malice towards none and to work always, with unity for the betterment of the community and to work always, with unity for the betterment of the community and the society at large.the society at large.

Need to cast a glance at the common heritage of all main line of the Need to cast a glance at the common heritage of all main line of the Goa Saraswats.Goa Saraswats.

CONTENTSCONTENTS

Mool Sthan: 7000 – 300 BCEMool Sthan: 7000 – 300 BCE

Saraswat Settlements in Gomant: 300 BCE onwardsSaraswat Settlements in Gomant: 300 BCE onwards

Saraswat Settlements in Kanara: 3-phasesSaraswat Settlements in Kanara: 3-phases

1. MOOL STHAN: 7000 – 300 BCE1. MOOL STHAN: 7000 – 300 BCE

Kashmir – Shivalik MountainsKashmir – Shivalik Mountains

Saraswati River: Saraswati River:

Sequence of geological and climatic eventsSequence of geological and climatic events

Vedic Saraswati mapVedic Saraswati map

Saraswati – Sindhu civilization mapSaraswati – Sindhu civilization map

1. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS• Saraswat means: Our ancestors lived by the sacred river

Saraswati.

• On the banks of this river, the Sages of yore got enlightened with the knowledge of Vedas.700

0 - 5000

Break up of Himalayan Glaciers and formation of Saraswati, Shatadru, Drishadvati in NW India.

Aryan inhabitants at Shivalik mountains get acquainted with River Saraswati.

Active Vedic civilization with Saraswati as a major river.

5000 - 3000

Onset of aridity: Impact of neotectonism in NW India due to disruption of the Saraswati / Ghaggar / Hakra / Nara course, decline of Vedic civilization and rise of Indus valley civilization (Mohenjo-Daro).

3000 - 1000

12-year famine causes early migration: Division among Aryans from different professions Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. Pancha Gaud and Pancha Dravid concept.

1000 - 0

Flourishing empires such as Mauryan, Gupta, Ashoka, spread of Buddhism and Jainism.

Saraswat period of migration to Gomant in 3rd century BCE.

1. VEDIC SARASWATI1. VEDIC SARASWATI Vedas existed for atleast 9,000 years.Vedas existed for atleast 9,000 years. Sage Saraswat preserved the knowledge of Vedas and Vedangas during 12 years Sage Saraswat preserved the knowledge of Vedas and Vedangas during 12 years

famine.famine.

1. SARASWATI – SINDHU 1. SARASWATI – SINDHU CIVILIZATIONCIVILIZATION

Excavation sites: Homogeneity of monuments & artifacts among:• Harappa• Mohenjo-Daro• Kalibangan• Banawali• Kunal• Dholavira• Lothal

Discovery of Yajnakundas: Circumstantial evidence that Saraswati River civilization belonged to Vedic period

1. MIGRATION LOCATIONS1. MIGRATION LOCATIONS Onset of aridity & 12-year famine causes early migrations Onset of aridity & 12-year famine causes early migrations

to the following locations:to the following locations: Pancha Gouda regions: Locations north of VindhyasPancha Gouda regions: Locations north of Vindhyas

SaraswatSaraswat: Present Punjab & Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & : Present Punjab & Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & KashmirKashmir

KanyakubjaKanyakubja: Present parts of Rajasthan and Western Uttar Pradesh: Present parts of Rajasthan and Western Uttar Pradesh GaudaGauda: Present eastern parts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh: Present eastern parts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh MithilaMithila: Present Northern Bihar: Present Northern Bihar UtkalaUtkala: Present Orissa: Present Orissa

Pancha Dravida regions: Locations south of VindhyasPancha Dravida regions: Locations south of Vindhyas Telanga: Present Andhra PradeshTelanga: Present Andhra Pradesh Dravida: Present Tamil Nadu & KeralaDravida: Present Tamil Nadu & Kerala KarnatakaKarnataka Maharashtraka: Present MaharashtraMaharashtraka: Present Maharashtra Gurjara: Present GujaratGurjara: Present Gujarat

2. 2. SARASWAT SETTLEMENTS IN SARASWAT SETTLEMENTS IN GOMANT: 300 BCE ONWARDSGOMANT: 300 BCE ONWARDS

Settlement locations in GomantSettlement locations in Gomant

Development of 8 Agrahar villagesDevelopment of 8 Agrahar villages

Fission & fusion of families after various stages of migrationsFission & fusion of families after various stages of migrations

Muslim invasion – destruction of templesMuslim invasion – destruction of temples

Vijayanagar rule – rebuilding of templesVijayanagar rule – rebuilding of temples

Recurrence of Muslim invasionRecurrence of Muslim invasion

Portuguese invasions and persecutionsPortuguese invasions and persecutions

2.2. SETTLEMENT LOCATIONS IN GOMANTSETTLEMENT LOCATIONS IN GOMANT Saraswat settlements appears to have taken place:

• 3rd century BCE from Trihotra• 5th century CE from Kanyakubja and later from Marudesha

They belonged to 10 Gotras: Bharadwaj, Kaushika, Vatsa, Kaundinya, Kashyapa, Jamadagni, Vishwamitra, Gautama and Atri.

Original 66 families settled in 8 Agrahar villages. Later some families spread to Tiswadi.

2. DEVELOPMENT OF 8 AGRAHAR 2. DEVELOPMENT OF 8 AGRAHAR VILLAGESVILLAGES

Creation of Grama Samsthas: Autonomous bodies, self-Creation of Grama Samsthas: Autonomous bodies, self-sufficient village granaries, powerful and progressive.sufficient village granaries, powerful and progressive.

Set up co-operatives for the need of members.Set up co-operatives for the need of members.

500 C.E.: Built most majestic Kuldev temples and its 500 C.E.: Built most majestic Kuldev temples and its Gaunkars are the Mahajans of the temples: Gaunkars are the Mahajans of the temples:

Kushasthali, Mangesh temple: Gaunkars number 24, i.e., 14 Kushasthali, Mangesh temple: Gaunkars number 24, i.e., 14 Vangads of Kaundinya and 10 of Vatsa Gotra.Vangads of Kaundinya and 10 of Vatsa Gotra.

Keloshi, Shantadurga temple: 12 of Kaushik and later, 1 of Vatsa Keloshi, Shantadurga temple: 12 of Kaushik and later, 1 of Vatsa and 1 of Bharadwaj.and 1 of Bharadwaj.

Temples: Places of worship, Pathashalas for Vedas, Temples: Places of worship, Pathashalas for Vedas, Mantrajagars, Shastras, etc.Mantrajagars, Shastras, etc.

Creation of a big library with handwritten Granthas.Creation of a big library with handwritten Granthas.

Centre of traditional festivals, kirtans, natakas and other arts.Centre of traditional festivals, kirtans, natakas and other arts.

800 C.E.: Formation of Gaudapadacharya Math at 800 C.E.: Formation of Gaudapadacharya Math at Kushasthali. Adwaita philosophy followed.Kushasthali. Adwaita philosophy followed.

2. FISSION & FUSION OF FAMILIES AFTER 2. FISSION & FUSION OF FAMILIES AFTER VARIOUS STAGES OF MIGRATIONVARIOUS STAGES OF MIGRATION

11stst Fission caused as a result of occupation Fission caused as a result of occupation:: Some GSB families served as priests, others:Some GSB families served as priests, others:

Trigotries of 2Trigotries of 2ndnd batch served as teachers, clerks, accountants & batch served as teachers, clerks, accountants & district officers. They had liberal views on social, religion and district officers. They had liberal views on social, religion and politics.politics.

Shastikars of 1Shastikars of 1stst batch took to trade & commerce as hereditary batch took to trade & commerce as hereditary profession.profession.

FusionFusion: : 1100 C.E. – Inclusion of Mahajans of Vatsa Varde / 1100 C.E. – Inclusion of Mahajans of Vatsa Varde / Valaulikars and Bharadwaj Gotra Pai Panandikars within Valaulikars and Bharadwaj Gotra Pai Panandikars within Keloshikars of Shantadurga.Keloshikars of Shantadurga.

22ndnd Fission (temporary) Fission (temporary): : 1500 C.E1500 C.E - - Segregation between Segregation between Shenvis and Shasthikars when latter became followers of Shenvis and Shasthikars when latter became followers of Madhva Vaishanava Maths.Madhva Vaishanava Maths.

FusionFusion: : Iconography of GSB family deities remain Iconography of GSB family deities remain uncompromisingly Shaivaite in form to this day.uncompromisingly Shaivaite in form to this day.

2. FISSIONS & FUSION OF FAMILIES 2. FISSIONS & FUSION OF FAMILIES (CONT’D)(CONT’D)

1357 C.E.: Muslim invasion of Gomantak. Destruction of 1357 C.E.: Muslim invasion of Gomantak. Destruction of temples causing havoc.temples causing havoc.

1366 – 1469 C.E.: Vijayanagar rule - Temples rebuilt with full 1366 – 1469 C.E.: Vijayanagar rule - Temples rebuilt with full religious activity.religious activity.

Saraswats found scope for their talents in Vijayanagar.Saraswats found scope for their talents in Vijayanagar.

Goa Saraswat envoys, Vasant Madhav and Mainashenai Wagle, Goa Saraswat envoys, Vasant Madhav and Mainashenai Wagle, were able to persuade Harihara II to send expedition to conquer were able to persuade Harihara II to send expedition to conquer Muslims in Goa. Muslims in Goa.

1366 C.E.: Madhav Mantri took Goa.1366 C.E.: Madhav Mantri took Goa.

1469 – 1498 C.E.: Bahamini Sultan’s raids in Goa.1469 – 1498 C.E.: Bahamini Sultan’s raids in Goa.

1498 – 1510 C.E. – Adil Shah Rule: Shifting of Laxmi Narayan 1498 – 1510 C.E. – Adil Shah Rule: Shifting of Laxmi Narayan temple from Nagve to Ankola (1500 C.E.)temple from Nagve to Ankola (1500 C.E.)

Goa administered by Yusuf Gurgi, a Turk.Goa administered by Yusuf Gurgi, a Turk.

1510 C.E.: Timmappa Nayak, Naval Chief of Vijayanagar and 1510 C.E.: Timmappa Nayak, Naval Chief of Vijayanagar and Mhala Pai sought intervention of Portuguese to overthrow Mhala Pai sought intervention of Portuguese to overthrow Adil Shah rule.Adil Shah rule.

2. PORTUGUESE INVASIONS & 2. PORTUGUESE INVASIONS & PERSECUTIONSPERSECUTIONS

Velha Conquistas: Conquered island of Tiswadi in 1510 C.E., Velha Conquistas: Conquered island of Tiswadi in 1510 C.E., Bardesh and Sasashti in 1543 C.E.Bardesh and Sasashti in 1543 C.E.

1510 – 1540 C.E.: Conversion mainly through persuasion 1510 – 1540 C.E.: Conversion mainly through persuasion and material incentives.and material incentives.

1541 C.E.: On orders of King Joao III, Hindu temples in 1541 C.E.: On orders of King Joao III, Hindu temples in Tiswadi destroyed, temple lands confiscated and allocated Tiswadi destroyed, temple lands confiscated and allocated to church.to church.

Saraswats move to neighbouring areas.Saraswats move to neighbouring areas.

1543 – 1546 C.E.: King Joao III bans preparation / worship of 1543 – 1546 C.E.: King Joao III bans preparation / worship of idols in temples and private houses.idols in temples and private houses.

Hindus forbidden to practice religious rites and ceremonies.Hindus forbidden to practice religious rites and ceremonies.

1548 C.E.: Bishop Joao de Albuquerque collects all scared 1548 C.E.: Bishop Joao de Albuquerque collects all scared Hindu books and burns them. Hindu priests imprisoned.Hindu books and burns them. Hindu priests imprisoned.

1557 C.E.: Non-Catholics excluded from public offices.1557 C.E.: Non-Catholics excluded from public offices.

2. PORTUGUESE PERSECUTIONS 2. PORTUGUESE PERSECUTIONS (CONT’D)(CONT’D)

1560 C.E.: Tribunal of inquisition established.1560 C.E.: Tribunal of inquisition established. Goan inquisition most severe and cruel of all Portuguese Goan inquisition most severe and cruel of all Portuguese

territories.territories. Se Cathedral: Condemned Hindus publicly burned during Se Cathedral: Condemned Hindus publicly burned during

ceremonies called Auto da Fé (Act of Faith).ceremonies called Auto da Fé (Act of Faith).

1563 C.E.: All Hindus ordered to quit old conquest area within 1563 C.E.: All Hindus ordered to quit old conquest area within a month’s time.a month’s time.

Destruction of 160 temples – Tiswadi (1541 C.E.), 240 – Destruction of 160 temples – Tiswadi (1541 C.E.), 240 – Sasashti (1560 – 1567 C.E.), 175 – Bardesh (1573 C.E.).Sasashti (1560 – 1567 C.E.), 175 – Bardesh (1573 C.E.).

Not a single temple was spared in old conquest areas.Not a single temple was spared in old conquest areas.

About 12,000 families, mostly Saraswats flee:About 12,000 families, mostly Saraswats flee: To neighbouring territories of Bhonsle and Sonde kings with their To neighbouring territories of Bhonsle and Sonde kings with their

deities.deities. Via sea to coastal areas of Kanara to Calicut and north Kudal, Via sea to coastal areas of Kanara to Calicut and north Kudal,

Sawantwadi.Sawantwadi. Severity of inquisition lessens due to decline of Portuguese Severity of inquisition lessens due to decline of Portuguese

empire.empire.

2. RELOCATION OF TEMPLES2. RELOCATION OF TEMPLES

RELOCATION OF TEMPLES (CONT’D)RELOCATION OF TEMPLES (CONT’D)

Sr. No. TempleFrom

(old site)To

(present site)Church

(in its place)

1Shantadurga

Keloshi, Mormugao

Kavle, Ponda (1560)

---

2 Goudapadacharya (Kavle) Math

Kushasthali (Cortalim)

Kavle, Ponda (1630)

---

3Mangesh -do-

Priol, Ponda (1560)

Church of Cortalim (1566)

4 (a)Mahalakshmi

Bandode,Ponda DID NOT

SHIFT!

---

4 (b) Nagesh -do- ---

4 (c)Mahalaxmi

Colva, Salcette

Bandode,Ponda

---

5Mhalasa

Verna, Salcete

Mardol,Ponda

1st Verna Church, on site of Santeri Temple.

6Navdurga

Benaulim,Salcette

Borim,Ponda

---

7Laxmi Narsimha

Sancoale,Mormugao

Veling,Ponda

---

8Laxminarayan

MahamayaNagao,Salcette

Ankola,N. Kanara (1500 AD, due to Muslim atrocities)---

2. MIGRATION OF SARASWATS2. MIGRATION OF SARASWATS

New conquest areas:New conquest areas: 1781 C.E.: Bicholim1781 C.E.: Bicholim 1788 C.E.: Pednem1788 C.E.: Pednem 1790 C.E.: Sattari from Ranes1790 C.E.: Sattari from Ranes 1791 C.E.: Sanguem1791 C.E.: Sanguem

CanconaCancona

QuepemQuepem

PondaPonda

These 7 talukas served as shelter for Hindus of old These 7 talukas served as shelter for Hindus of old conquests.conquests.

Portuguese empire weakened due to loss of territories to Portuguese empire weakened due to loss of territories to British, Dutch and Marathas – Halt to coercive conversions British, Dutch and Marathas – Halt to coercive conversions and temple destruction.and temple destruction.

2. PORTUGUESE INVASIONS 2. PORTUGUESE INVASIONS (CONT’D)(CONT’D)

Bhonsle Kings

Sonde Kings

OnceagainthekuladevatemplesandrelocatedKavlemathlayunderPortugueserule,butMarathamilitarystrengthandHinduinfluenceinGoaitselfweresufficienttopreventanyrecurrenceofPortuguesepersecution.

3. MIGRATION TO KANARA3. MIGRATION TO KANARA Migration in 3 phases:Migration in 3 phases:

Gradual migrationGradual migration Exodus to escape from religious persecutions by Muslim rulersExodus to escape from religious persecutions by Muslim rulers Exodus to escape from Portuguese organized persecution & Exodus to escape from Portuguese organized persecution &

mass conversionmass conversion

Kanara settlements and developmentsKanara settlements and developments Social occupationsSocial occupations Social occupations at Nagar Kingdom occupied coastal areasSocial occupations at Nagar Kingdom occupied coastal areas Religious activitiesReligious activities

Circumstances for active search for a Guru: Social, Circumstances for active search for a Guru: Social, religious, Politicalreligious, Political

3-PHASE MIGRATION3-PHASE MIGRATION Gradual Migration:Gradual Migration:

Search for better pastures – followed Sashtikars who went for trade.Search for better pastures – followed Sashtikars who went for trade. 1300 C.E.: Nadkarni’s to Bankikodla by land via Kankon and Ankola.1300 C.E.: Nadkarni’s to Bankikodla by land via Kankon and Ankola. Century later: Kulkarni’s and Balwalli’s followed.Century later: Kulkarni’s and Balwalli’s followed.

Exodus to escape from Muslim persecution (1314-1367 and 1469-Exodus to escape from Muslim persecution (1314-1367 and 1469-1510 C.E.):1510 C.E.):

Left by sea to ports of Kanara. Later branch families moved to Left by sea to ports of Kanara. Later branch families moved to hinterland villages.hinterland villages.

1500 C.E.: Kuldev temple shifted from Nagve to Ankola.1500 C.E.: Kuldev temple shifted from Nagve to Ankola. Temples built:Temples built:

• 1550 C.E.: Aldangadi, Ganapati temple1550 C.E.: Aldangadi, Ganapati temple• 1560 C.E.: Bailur, Laxmi Narayan temple1560 C.E.: Bailur, Laxmi Narayan temple• 1560 C.E.: Vokkatur, Ananteshwar temple1560 C.E.: Vokkatur, Ananteshwar temple• 1685 C.E.: Manke, Janardhan temple and Bhatkal, Laxmi Narayan temple1685 C.E.: Manke, Janardhan temple and Bhatkal, Laxmi Narayan temple

Exodus to escape from Portuguese persecution (1560 C.E.): Exodus to escape from Portuguese persecution (1560 C.E.): From Goa to Kanara ports upto Ullal. Families shifted:From Goa to Kanara ports upto Ullal. Families shifted:

• Ullal (Vatsa Gotra): 8Ullal (Vatsa Gotra): 8thth generation generation• Koppi: 11Koppi: 11thth generation generation • Harite: 11Harite: 11thth generation generation• Ubhaya (Kaundinya): 10Ubhaya (Kaundinya): 10thth generation generation• Kaikini: 10Kaikini: 10thth generation generation• Kabad: 10Kabad: 10thth generation generation• Nagarkatte: 10Nagarkatte: 10thth generation generation

3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS & 3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS & DEVELOPMENTS DEVELOPMENTS (1400-1700 C.E.)(1400-1700 C.E.) Exodus to escape from Portuguese persecution and mass Exodus to escape from Portuguese persecution and mass

conversion:conversion: Lost touch of Moola Dharmapeetha and priestly families: In order to Lost touch of Moola Dharmapeetha and priestly families: In order to

preserve their deities, religious beliefs and Saraswat identities gave up preserve their deities, religious beliefs and Saraswat identities gave up their lands, wealth and even their lives. Their unswerving faith in god their lands, wealth and even their lives. Their unswerving faith in god gave them courage to start their lives afresh in new lands.gave them courage to start their lives afresh in new lands.

But managed to carry with us the heritage of:But managed to carry with us the heritage of:• High reverence to Kuladevatas.High reverence to Kuladevatas.• Teachings of Adhvait philosophy.Teachings of Adhvait philosophy.• Sanskars.Sanskars.

Oldest settlements were along coastal villages, towns:Oldest settlements were along coastal villages, towns: Branch families moved to other villages, usually hinterlandBranch families moved to other villages, usually hinterland Surnames changed as a result. The village name prefixed. Surnames changed as a result. The village name prefixed.

• Vaidya Wangad migrated to Manki. Came to be known as MankikarsVaidya Wangad migrated to Manki. Came to be known as Mankikars• Branches of Mankikars moved to hinterlands of Talmaki, Chittar, Samrode, Branches of Mankikars moved to hinterlands of Talmaki, Chittar, Samrode,

Yennamadi, Gokarn, Shirali, ShirurYennamadi, Gokarn, Shirali, Shirur• Mankikars settled in Gokarn, for e.g., Gokarnad Anantaya Shanboa came to Mankikars settled in Gokarn, for e.g., Gokarnad Anantaya Shanboa came to

be known as Gokarn. be known as Gokarn. Old surnames were mostly forgottenOld surnames were mostly forgotten

DISTRIBUTION OF SARASWAT FAMILY DISTRIBUTION OF SARASWAT FAMILY NAMESNAMES

# of Surnames

% of Surnames

Original Taluk / Kanara district settled

GOTRA KULDEVA

1932 1956 1971

11 2.1 Kundapur - South Kanara A Atri Mhalsa Narayani 1.95 1.82 1.9

42 8.3 Udipi - South Kanara B Bharadvaj Shantadurga 8.26 8.72 7.1

9 1.8 Mangalore - South KanaraC Camshya (Kutsa)*

Laxmi Narasimha 0.6 ** **

164 32.5 North & South Kanara D Kaundinya Mangesh 35.2 34.83 34.91104 20.7 North & South Kanara V (a) Vatsa Mangesh

14 2.8 Kundapur - South Kanara V (b) VatsaShantadurga & Mangesh

4 0.8 North Kanara V © Vatsa

Shantadurga, Mangesh, Mahalaxmi Navadurga, Simha Purusha

3 0.6 North Kanara V (d) Vatsa Nagesh

11 2.1 Kundapur - South Kanara V (e) VatsaLaxminarayan Mahamaya

136 27 V Vatsa (Total) 25.64 25.4 26.4

142 28.3 North & South Kanara K Kaushika Shantadurga 28.33 28.93** 28.54**

% of Gotras in Caste census

Distribution of SARASWAT Family names, Gotras and Kuldevas

** Because of similarities in pronounciations Kaunsha (i.e. Kaushik) and Camshya Gotras were entered together in 1956 and 1971 census.

* Note: Camshya and Kutsa have different Gotra Pravar and hence are two separate Gotras. However Kulavis of Laxmi Narasimha at Veling, Goa are only of Kutsa Gotra

3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS – KEY PLACES OF 3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS – KEY PLACES OF RESIDENCERESIDENCE

Keladi rule: 1499–1763

Shifted capital to Ikkeri 1514

Shivappa Nayak: 1645-1660

Our ancestors contacts commenced with new capital Bednur in 1645 C.E

1608 Jain and other local chiefs of Kanara put down.

3. SOME CHITRAPUR WANGADS AT 3. SOME CHITRAPUR WANGADS AT GOAGOA

Sr.No. Chitrapur Saraswat FamiliesWangad name at

Goa

1Chikarmane, Tombat, Mundkur, Kumta, Kandlur, Nilekani, Talgeri, Ugran

WAGLE

2 Nadkarni, Gokarn RAJADHYAKSHA

3 Gulvadi, Trikanad, Cherkal DALVI

4 Andar, Kalbag, Mullarpattan PALEKAR

5 Shashittal, Kombrabail, Balvalli VARDE

6Koppikar, Nagarkatti, Shirali,

MankekarVAIDYA

7 Gangolli, Kallianpur, Benegal, Betrabet PANANDIKAR

3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS – SOCIAL 3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS – SOCIAL OCCUPATIONSOCCUPATIONS

Carried the heritage of Grama Samstha developed in Goa to Carried the heritage of Grama Samstha developed in Goa to KanaraKanara

Concentrated on 2 main occupations:Concentrated on 2 main occupations: Acquisition of lands (Land lords in villages).Acquisition of lands (Land lords in villages). Service in revenue administration under ruling kings and small Service in revenue administration under ruling kings and small

local chiefs.local chiefs. At that time, there was hardly a place of ‘Shanbhogues’ At that time, there was hardly a place of ‘Shanbhogues’

(accountants), not held by Saraswats.(accountants), not held by Saraswats.

Popular sayingPopular saying: Rulers may come and go but Saraswat : Rulers may come and go but Saraswat Shanbhogues go on forever.Shanbhogues go on forever.

No Goan style economic village communities:No Goan style economic village communities: Productive rice fields, coconut plantations held by families, not Productive rice fields, coconut plantations held by families, not

by villages.by villages.

3. NAGAR KINGDOM: SOCIAL 3. NAGAR KINGDOM: SOCIAL OCCUPATIONSOCCUPATIONS

Subsequent occupation of Kanara coastal villages by Nagar Subsequent occupation of Kanara coastal villages by Nagar Kingdom improved Saraswat standing in society.Kingdom improved Saraswat standing in society.

Our ancestors served Nagar kings both at the capital and Our ancestors served Nagar kings both at the capital and elsewhere.elsewhere.

Many Saraswat surnames bear testimony of our service to Many Saraswat surnames bear testimony of our service to Nagar kings:Nagar kings:

Unlike previous surnames based on land settlement, Unlike previous surnames based on land settlement, surnames were adopted based on occupation.surnames were adopted based on occupation.

Records of grants made by Nagar kings to Saraswat Records of grants made by Nagar kings to Saraswat temples:temples:

Janardhan of MankikarsJanardhan of Mankikars Bhadrambika of ChickermanekarsBhadrambika of Chickermanekars Dattatreya and Gopalkrishna of HemmadikarsDattatreya and Gopalkrishna of Hemmadikars

Records of grants of land in 1739 C.E. to Bhandikere Math, Records of grants of land in 1739 C.E. to Bhandikere Math, GokarnGokarn

3. ADOPTED SURNAMES PRIMARILY 3. ADOPTED SURNAMES PRIMARILY OCCUPATION BASEDOCCUPATION BASED

Sr. No. Surname Occupation

Nagar Kingdom

1 Manevarte Secretary of the royal household

2 Ugran Royal steward

3 ChickermaneChamberlain of the palace of the heir

apparent

4 Bilemahal Chamberlain of the white palace

5 PanditVeterinary surgeon to the King's

stables

6 Nagarkatte Toll gatekeeper

7 Gurkar Headman of armed police

8 Labadaya Accountant

9 Kadle Supplier of grams to the king's stables

At service of local chiefs

1 Dodda and Sanna Kavlige Accountants - Prince of Vithal

2 PadbidriRevenue collector - One of Kanara

chiefs

3 Bagde Karnik - Chief of Bekal

4 Bellare Sheristedar - King of Coorg

3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS: RELIGIOUS 3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS: RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIESACTIVITIES

Our ancestors built a number of temples in every village, Our ancestors built a number of temples in every village, installed idols of different deities and arranged for ceremonial installed idols of different deities and arranged for ceremonial worship.worship.

These activities were conducted to inspire faith and devotion These activities were conducted to inspire faith and devotion in the core minds of succeeding generations.in the core minds of succeeding generations.

These temples were also centers for cultural and religious These temples were also centers for cultural and religious activities of fine arts like sculpting, music, painting, activities of fine arts like sculpting, music, painting, harikirtans etc..harikirtans etc..

In most cases, lands were endowed to temples for their In most cases, lands were endowed to temples for their upkeep and maintenance.upkeep and maintenance.

These temples flourished for a couple of decades till younger These temples flourished for a couple of decades till younger generations migrated to cities.generations migrated to cities.

The temples remain as standing monuments to devotion and The temples remain as standing monuments to devotion and faith for the benefit of the community. faith for the benefit of the community.

3. SARASWAT TEMPLES IN KANARA - 3. SARASWAT TEMPLES IN KANARA - EXAMPLESEXAMPLES

Temple Place Year

Ganapati Mallapur 14th Century

Vidya Vithal Bangra Manjeshwar 14th Century, old temple

Bankanatheshwar Bankikodla 1350 C.E.

Ganapati Aldangadi 1550 C.E.

Laxminarayan Bailur 1560 C.E.

Ananteshwar Vokketur

1560 C.E. Shifted to Vithal 1660 C.E.

Janardhan Manki 1685 C.E.

Laxminarayan Bhatkal 1685 C.E.

(Kadle Math) Shivalingeshwar Shirali Early 17th Century

Mooru Devar Chandavar 17th Century

Shankar Narayana and Gopalkrishna Hattiangadi 17th Century

Dattatreya and Venkatramana Hemmadi 17th Century

Avadi Mallapur 1650 C.E (approx)

Gurunatheshwar Gopalkrishna Shirali 17th Century

Shivamunishwar Kaikini 17th Century

Durgaparameshwari Buddukuli Shirali 1700 C.E.

Bhadrambikeshwar Manki Madi 1724 C.E.

Umamaheshwar Mangalore 1744 C.E

Gokarnkars held the post of Manegars of Mahableshwar temple, Gokarn for generations and Gokarna Anantaya rendered service in rebuilding it in about 1700 C.E.

3. KANARA – RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES 3. KANARA – RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES (CONT’D)(CONT’D)

Saints:Saints: Saint RamavallabhdasSaint Ramavallabhdas: Came to Kanara approx. 1650 C.E. and : Came to Kanara approx. 1650 C.E. and

left his spiritual mark on our community.left his spiritual mark on our community.

Krishna Jayanti VrataKrishna Jayanti Vrata initiated by him established 4 centers; initiated by him established 4 centers; Avadi Math Mallapur, Haridas Math Shirali, Hemapur Math Avadi Math Mallapur, Haridas Math Shirali, Hemapur Math Hemmadi, Gosavi Math Hattiangadi.Hemmadi, Gosavi Math Hattiangadi.

Early 17Early 17thth century: century: Saint ChidanandaSaint Chidananda and his successors, poets and his successors, poets and vedanties, made Bailur centre of spiritual influence.and vedanties, made Bailur centre of spiritual influence.

Saint ShivamunishwarSaint Shivamunishwar (Kaikini family): compiled Marathi (Kaikini family): compiled Marathi version of Devi Mahatmya.version of Devi Mahatmya.

Poet Poet Saint Bhatkal AppayaSaint Bhatkal Appaya (Nadghar family): composed (Nadghar family): composed extempore songs characterized by great beauty and insight.extempore songs characterized by great beauty and insight.

• Nagar King gave him the title of Varakavi.Nagar King gave him the title of Varakavi.

Saint AvadibaiSaint Avadibai (Ubaykar family) kept tradition of Bhagwat (Ubaykar family) kept tradition of Bhagwat Dharma in our community.Dharma in our community.

Saint JognaniSaint Jognani of Hemmad tradition had great poetic gifts. of Hemmad tradition had great poetic gifts.

3. SEARCH FOR A GURU3. SEARCH FOR A GURU Before 1708 C.E.: Saraswat cluster, known as Keloshi-Kushashthalikars, Before 1708 C.E.: Saraswat cluster, known as Keloshi-Kushashthalikars,

belonged to Shenvipaiki and to a greater identity of Gauda Saraswats.belonged to Shenvipaiki and to a greater identity of Gauda Saraswats. Saraswats had lost links with Moola Dharmapeetha in Goa post migration. Saraswats had lost links with Moola Dharmapeetha in Goa post migration.

1560 C.E.: Portuguese completely destroyed Gaudapadacharya Maths, Kuldev 1560 C.E.: Portuguese completely destroyed Gaudapadacharya Maths, Kuldev temples at Kushasthali, Goa.temples at Kushasthali, Goa.

1630 C.E.: Although Dharmapeetha was relocated at Kavle, Kavle Math 1630 C.E.: Although Dharmapeetha was relocated at Kavle, Kavle Math Swamijis lived out of Kavle due to series of Portuguese-Maratha battles.Swamijis lived out of Kavle due to series of Portuguese-Maratha battles.

Our ancestors required Vedic pathashalas and priestly families of our own Our ancestors required Vedic pathashalas and priestly families of our own who perform Dharmic rituals.who perform Dharmic rituals.

Pressure from Dwaita Maths to join them.Pressure from Dwaita Maths to join them. Our ancestors needed a Dharmapeetha for spiritual way of thought and Our ancestors needed a Dharmapeetha for spiritual way of thought and

act. They needed their own Jati Swami in areas where they resided.act. They needed their own Jati Swami in areas where they resided. Envy of others as Saraswats held high positions at Nagar – Locals hinted Envy of others as Saraswats held high positions at Nagar – Locals hinted

that Saraswats were rootless people, unconnected by any Math.that Saraswats were rootless people, unconnected by any Math. Nagar King expected the Saraswat community to find an everlasting Nagar King expected the Saraswat community to find an everlasting

solution to eliminate dissension and gave a time limit.solution to eliminate dissension and gave a time limit. Time limit acted as a trigger for earlier efforts for an active search of our First Time limit acted as a trigger for earlier efforts for an active search of our First

Guru, due to social and religious pressures. Guru, due to social and religious pressures.

3. GURU – SEQUENCE OF EVENTS3. GURU – SEQUENCE OF EVENTSImportant Events

Sr.No.

Event Date as per Hindu CalendarCommon Era (C.E.)

1 Arrival at Kotiteertha of our first GuruSunday, Magh Sh 7 Sarvadhare Shake

1630Feb 1709

2Visit to Shringeri and recognition by the Shankaracharya

Ashwini Shudha Navami Virodhi Shake 1631

1709

3 Undertaking given to first guruBelieved to be 1709 - 1720

4 Undertaking given to Krishnayya ShanbagChaitra Shudha 5 Sharvani Shake

16421720

5 Shisya Sweekar of second GuruSaturday, Chaitra Shudha 15 Sharvari Shake 1642

1720

6Site for Umamaheshwar Temple granted to Anantaya from God Mahableshwar of Gokarn through managers

Ashvij Sh 10 Shabhakriti Shake 1644 1722

7Promise made by our people to our Swami about annual vantiga and construction of Math at Gokarn signed by 50 people

Pushya Sh 12 Shobhakriti Shake 1644 1723

8Further undertaking given to the second Guru about rules and regulations

Phalguna Sh 5 Anand Shake 1656 1735

9Deed of gift by Kaladi Basappa Nayaka for building Math at Bhandikere, Gokarn

Margashir Sh 10 of Siddharti Shake 1661

1739

10Punyatithikal and Samadhisthan of second Guru

Ashwin Sh 6 Ishwar Shake 1679 at Shirali

1757

THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY THAT HAVE GONE INTO THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY THAT HAVE GONE INTO THE EVOLUTION AND PRESERVATION OF OUR MATH IS THE EVOLUTION AND PRESERVATION OF OUR MATH IS

BEYOND WORDS.BEYOND WORDS.

LET US PRESERVE THIS HERITAGE AND BE DEVOTED TO LET US PRESERVE THIS HERITAGE AND BE DEVOTED TO GURU PARAMPARA AND PARAMA PUJYA SHRIMAT GURU PARAMPARA AND PARAMA PUJYA SHRIMAT

SADYOJAT SHANKARASHRAM SWAMIJI.SADYOJAT SHANKARASHRAM SWAMIJI.

THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY THAT HAVE GONE INTO THE EVOLUTION THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY THAT HAVE GONE INTO THE EVOLUTION AND PRESERVATION OF OUR MATH IS BEYOND WORDS.AND PRESERVATION OF OUR MATH IS BEYOND WORDS.

LET US PRESERVE THIS HERITAGE AND BE DEVOTED TO GURU LET US PRESERVE THIS HERITAGE AND BE DEVOTED TO GURU PARAMPARA AND PARAMA PUJYA SHRIMAT SADYOJAT SHANKARASHRAM PARAMPARA AND PARAMA PUJYA SHRIMAT SADYOJAT SHANKARASHRAM

SWAMIJI.SWAMIJI.

Forfurtherquarriescontact:Dr.RamdasThaggarse

Email:[email protected]

Saraswat History

Spiritual

Transcript of Saraswat History