GAUDD SÀRASWAT BRÀHMINS IN GOA - DR. S M Tadkodkar

CONTENTS

ADVENT OF GAUDD SARASWAT BRAHMINS AND VATSA GOTRIANS IN GOA

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1. OVERVIEW OF GAUDD SARASWAT BRAHMINS

1.1. Gaud Saraswat Brahmins: Their Origin and migration
1.2. Tutelary Deities' (Kul-devata)

2. GOA - ITS BACKGROUND

3. FEATURED CONTENT:

3.1. Migration of Gaudd Saraswat Brahmins to Goa
3.2. Tilling of the land in Goa

4. G S BRAHMINS AND GOTRA

4.1. What is Gotra?
4.2. Gotras of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins
4.3. Tutelary Deities (Kul-Devata)and Gotra
4.4. Vatsa Gotrians among the Gaudd Saraswat Brahmins in Goa

5. PROMINENT SARASWATS

6. GLOSSARY

7. REFERENCE LIST

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The Gaudd Saraswat Brahmins have been a full fledged social system known to be in existence since last 5000 years in Goa.

1. OVERVIEW OF GAUDD SARASWAT BRAHMINS

1.1 GAUD SARASWAT BRAHMINS: THEIR ORIGIN AND MIGRATION:

The term Saraswat has been synonymous with the title 'Brahmin'. Goddess Saraswati is the tutelary mother of Saraswats, Lord Brahma being their tutelary father. Saraswats are Brahmins by virtue of which they are intellectuals. The roots of Saraswat Brahmins go up to times of Bhrugu Rushi, the great Sage of Aryans and father of Chyawan Rushi, Dwaadash Rushi Bhargava and Shukra Rushi. Dadhichee was a youngest son of Chyawan Rushi. The two other sons were Aprwaan Rushi and Pramati Rushi. Dadhichee son was Saraswat Rishi. Saraswat Rishi was the first ancestor of the Saraswat Brahmins.

Aprwaan > Ourwa > Ruchik > Jamadagni are branches of the tree, that began from Bhrugu Rishi.

Bhargava Parashuram was the fifth son of Jamadagni Rushi (other four being Rumnnwaan, Sushenn, Vasu and Vishwaavasu). This family tree explains the reason, as why Bhargava Parashuram chose only the Saraswat Brahmins and brought them to the reclaimed land of then Konkan-Goa.




Painting showing Lord Parshuram,
an avatar of Lord Vishnu, asking Lord Varuna the 'God of the waters' to recede, to make land for the Konkani people i.e. The Saraswat Brahmins

Image © Shri D R Shenoy, available via GNU Free Documentation License








H. A. Rose, on his "A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province" has summarized the variety of families and tribes of Vedic origin at the time. The Jaitly, or Jetley family is one of the five families that constitute the "Panjzati." The late 19th Century book by Jogendra N. Bhattacharya, "Hindu Castes and Sects" also gives the historical details of this Brahmin family.The "Panjatias" are the highest order of Brahmins in the Punjab. The other families being: Mohle, Jhingan, Trikha and Kumaria. The "Panjzati" were also known as the purohits (chief Brahmins and royal courtiers) of the Dhaighar Khatris and have had very close relations with the Khatris of the Punjab for many millennia. Rose points out the story of Parashurama destroying the Kshatriyas of the world, when a pregnant woman of the caste took refuge with a Saraswat. When the child was born, the Saraswat invested the knowledge of the Vedas in him. The boy married 18 Kshatriya girls and his sons took the names of the various rishis and founded the lineage of the Khatris. It was this that led to the foundation, supposedly, of the Sarawats being the purohits of the ancient Khatris.

1.2. TUTELARY DEITIES' (KUL-DEVATA):

These ancestors of Saraswat Brahmins had accepted some of the SHAKTI deities as their KUL-DEVATA. One should remember that there is coherent difference between adoptions of the term 'deities' and 'tutelary deities' (KUL-DEVATA). A person or his family may have deity as per their inclination, convenience, and change in region etc. Sometimes, servants, protégés, refugees, appellants, mistresses, courtesans attached to the temples of their employers, worship 'tutelary deity' of their masters. But, that does not entitle them to inherit 'tutelary deity' of their masters to become member of the masters' families or their temples. 'Tutelary deity' cannot be changed for it has descended from the 'kul-purush' (the first ancestor) of a kinship, which had surrendered his life and lives his posterity to a particular deity. The tutelary deity is of the particular kinsmen. All these high caste and hard core Brahmins won't leave their tutelary deities and migrate. Later, during the 16th century, at the time of their exodus from Goa during the Catholic forceful conversions, from the Cortali and Keloshi to Antruz (Ponda praant), they took their tutelary deities first. They had brought their tutelary deities (KUL-DEVATA) from Trihotra. Names of the deities were Mangesh, Maha-Deva, Maha-Lakshmi, Mahalasa, Shanta-Durga, Nagesh and Sapt-Koteshwar.

Gaudd Saraswat Brahmins, traditionally, do not construct a temple of their own ancestors and worship them, unless he happens to be the KUL-PURUSH. None of them are God and they would consider it blasphemous to say so. That is the main reason for which the Saraswat Brahmins do not worship Bhargava Parashuram. The Saraswats termed Friday (the sixth day of a week) as 'Bhruguwaar' in the beginning, to commemorate their roots to Bhrugu Rishi. Dadhichee was a sanctified ascetic. After his martyrdom in the name of gods, the vicinity of Saraswati River faced a great deal of famine consecutively for twelve years. Even, the rivers viz. Shatadru (Sutlej) and Vyaas-Ganga (Beas) were dried up because of the dreaded famine. Consequently all, except Saraswat Brahmins left the place, known as BRAHMAA-VARTA (the location comprising of present AMBAALAA, KURUKSHETRA, JIND and HISSAR, which is towards the north-east of DELHI). This was known as SARASWAT DESH. All the Saraswats approached Lord Shiva for their survival. He told them that since he is the master of destruction, they could approach only Lord Vishnu, who was the master of balancing the life on the earth. These Brahmins were known as Saraswat, because after they descended from Kashmir, they settled down on the banks a river namely Saraswati. The area was from the source of Saraswati River to 'Binshan Teerth'.

The Gaudd Saraswat Brahmins had to face all these upheavals in course of time. They approached Lord Vishnu. He told them that he would remain in their flesh and brain in the form of fish and would save the Saraswats from extinction, as He had saved mankind during his Matsyaawataar (the first incarnation of the Lord in form of Fish). He then, assured them that He, in the form of Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, would save them from all the wicked tyrants. Saraswati River is known as 'Naditamaa'. She could produce the staple food, as much wanted by the Saraswat Brahmins. Thus, the Saraswat Brahmins opted for fish, which was only the staple food during the course of famine and there after. This is sufficient to say that the Saraswat Brahmin knew sea-faring and fishing. They, thus, preserved their identity. The Saraswat Brahmins are brilliant in learning, if compared to the rest; it is because of their choice for fish, which is clinically proved today as a ground reality. After the famine was over, sixty thousand, among the departed, Brahmins returned to BRAHMAA-VARTA fold. They had forgotten the Brahmanistic excellence during the search for food and shelter in the wilderness. Also, in the meanwhile, elderly people had expired. The Saraswat Brahmins taught the youngsters everything, which is required for their day-today livelihood. Such learning is known as the Vedanta-paatth or the Saraswat Paatth. Later on, even Swami Adi Shankaracharya, the pontiff of Vedic Indian traditional society accepted Swami of Saraswat community, as his Guru and then took lessons from him.

Bhargava Parashuram also chose the Saraswat Brahmins from SHRAAWASTI NAGAR of north Koshal Pradesh (South Bengal), which was also known as GAUD. Hence the Brahmins from that region were also known as the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins. Gaud was known for rich heritage. The Saraswat Brahmins, who have passion for literature. They are also well known for their sharp memory. They are non-violent too.

The shat karmas or six fold acts enjoined on the Saraswat Brahmins are as follows:

1) Yajna or performing sacrifices by officiating as priests.
2) Yajna or causing the performance of the sacrifice by being the financier or the yajaman (These sacrifices were performed for the spiritual benefit of the whole human society).
3) Adhyayana or engaging oneself in academic pursuits.
4) Adhyapana or teaching.
5) Daana or giving gifts.
6) Prateegraha or accepting gifts.

The gift given, however small, must be accepted with all humility (In Marathi the priestly profession is called 'bhikshuki'). The Saraswats, therefore, also known as 'Bhatt' and 'Dikshit'. They were also known as 'Vaidya', since they ran an Ayurvedic medical clinic, in the name of Chyawan Rushi. In the course of time, they accepted the people coming from other regions, in search of shelter. They were allowed to shoulder the responsibilities of other work.

2. GOA - ITS BACKGROUND:

The lush green long land-strip on the western coast of India, from Vassai in the north to down south Tiruvanatpuram, is known as Parashuram Kshetra. Later on, perhaps in attempt of wiping out the breathtaking work of Bhargava Parashuram by the vested interests, it was re-named as KONKAN. It was named after KUNDALIKA River. It was divided among seven parts, because of which, the strip was known as SAPTA-KONKAN. An Indian epic Mahabharata refers the land Goparashtra or Govarashtra which means a nation of cowherds. Gopakapuri or Gopakapattanam were used in some ancient Sanskrit scriptures. These names were also mentioned in other sacred Hindoo mythological writings viz. the Harivamsha and the [[Skanda Purana]]. [[Goa]] is also known as Gomanchala. Gove, Govapuri, Gopakpattan, Gomantak and Gomant are some other names that the region is referred to in certain inscriptions and texts such as the Puranas.

These references make it very clear that the Gaudd Saraswat Brahmins had brought herds of cows, while they migrated to the region of Goa.

Goa, which is part of southern Konkan, is also known as 'APARANT'. The land from Brahmpattannam in northern Gujarat to down south Gokarnn was known as Aparant. Aparant means the last part of territory in the west. Besides Aparant, Gomant, Govarashtra, Goparastra, Gopakpuri, Gopakapattana, Gove are the other names for this territory, the last four being the names of its capital.

The entire strip in Konkan, as has been believed since ages by the Sanskrit scholars and laity, is the creation of Bhargava Parashuram. He was so brave and benevolent, though he was a Shaivite; he was known to be the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Noted historian Kanhayyaalaal Munshi historian dates about the existence of Bhargava Parashuram during the period of 5000 B.C. or before that. He, after he committed an act of annihilating almost all the tyrant Kshatriya dynasties in the land occupied by the Aryans, was penalized by the then high powered sacerdots. He was requested to leave the land for good since Brahmins are expected to engage themselves in shat-karmas or six-fold duties. For his stay, Bhargava Parashuram did land reclamation on the western coast of India and created a new society on it. While the reclaimed land is known today as Konkan or and the society he created is of Saraswat Brahmins.

According to Skanda-Puranna (Sahyadri Khanda, Uttarardha 1-3), the Brahmins those lived in the North of the Vindhyas were known as Gaud Brahmins and those from the South the Dravidas. Each group was divided into five sections according to the regions of their settlement. The five (Panch) Gaud Brahmin groups were: the Saraswats (from the banks of the Saraswati River), Kaanyakubja (from Kanauj), Goudas (from the banks of the South Ganga or Bengal), Utkala (from Orissa) and the Maithili's (from Mithila in Bihar). The five (Panch) Dravida groups were: the Maharashtras, Andhras, Dravidas (from Tamilnadu), Karnata (from Karnataka) and the Gurjaras (from Gujarat). Shri. Campbell, the editor of Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency says: "This legend is probably confirmed by the fact especially in Goa, Shennavi like Bengalis, freely rub their heads with oil, also like them are fond of rice gruel, pej and fish. The honorific 'Bab' as in Purushottam Bab is perhaps corruption of Babu in Bengali. Their broad pronunciation is also like that Bengalis." (Vol. X, p. 116). All the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins from the Smaarta sect and some from the Vaishnnav sect are identified with prefix with 'Shennavi'. They were known as 'Shohanne Brahmins' meaning SANCTIFIED, sacred people. (This reference is found in Kalidasa's 'Abhijnan Shakuntalam'). Shri. Ganesh Ramchandra Sharma in his book 'Saraswat-Bhushan' (p.71) says that Bhargava Parashuram had brought 96 families (66 among them were settled in Salcete and 30 in the Tiswadi region.) Members of the 96 families from the ten gotras are known as 'Shennavi'.

They, in course of time spread all over the north India or ARYAAWARt, as it was commonly known then. All of them were collectively known as 'Panch-Gaud Brahmins', because they have been inhabitants of five holy places, viz. Utkala, Kaanyakubja, Gaud, Maithili and Saraswat. Necessary references in respect of these names are available in the 'Skanda-Puranna (Sahyadri Khanda, Uttarardha 1-3). SHATAPATH BRAHMANNA speaks about the spreading of these Brahmins from Saraswati river towards a place in Videha (upper Bihar) namely 'Tira-Bhukti' (Trihotra).

3. FEATURED CONTENT:

3.1. Migration of Gaudd Saraswat Brahmins to Goa:

Bhargava Parashuram brought sixty-six families from ten scholarly kinsmen (DASHA-GOTRI SARASWAT BRAHMINS) from the then holy place namely TRIHOTRA for purification of this reclaimed land. They were Atri, Kaashyap, Kaundinnya, Kaushik (Kamsa), Gautama, Jamadagnya, Bharadwaaj, Vatsa, Vasishtth, and Vishwamitra. After the fire-sacrifice etc. ('SHRADDHA-YAJNA' and 'BHOJAN') for purification of land was over, Bhargava Parashuram initially distributed the land among eight "AGRAHAAR". Agrahaar means the lands assigned to Brahmins. These Agrahaar set the pace for agriculture and development in the area.

The lands were named as follows:
Kushsthali (Cortali)
Kardali (Keloshi) and
Matthagrama (Madgaon)

Their settlement is known as Sasashtee (Sanskrut - Shat-Shashti>Sashti> Salcete). In a book titled 'SARASWATS IN GOA AND BEYOND' (1998), it is said that with their help Bhargava Parashuram performed an Ashwameda Yajna at Harmal (Arambol) in present Pednem praant. A second batch of thirty Saraswat Brahmins followed. They belonged to Angirasa, Garghya, Dhananjaya, Nairdhruva, Mudgala, Vainnya, Shandilya, Samkhyana, Sankha-Pingala-Kausta (Kamsa), Harsha and Hariha gotras.

They were absorbed as per their nearness to their tutelary deities. Reasons for arrival of the second batch of thirty Saraswat Brahmins could be as follows:
(i). Population of the land might have increased.
(ii). Since most of them had to maintain the land from barbarism, aggression, tilling of land, indulge in creating unavoidable infrastructure required for day-to-day requirements, quite a few of them had difficulties to carry on religious rituals viz. 'archana' (homage to be paid to gods), 'pujan' (adoring deities), 'praarthanaa' (prayers), 'hawan' (oblation by auspicious fire to a deity).
(iii).They also needed protection from own people and outsiders, for all these rituals. The Brahmins in the second batch took over the responsibility expected from a religious society.

3.2. Tilling of the land in Goa:

Agrahaar (settlements) were founded to help the Brahmins to engage themselves in these six-fold duties by donating land grants to them and providing them houses. These Agrahaar were separate Brahmin settlement villages or streets of Brahmins called brahmapuris in existing villages or towns. Such Agrahaar were found all over the country, and the lands granted were 'sarvamanya' free from the commitment of revenue payment, or were subjected to a quit-rent or nominal revenue. Goa also had a number of such Agrahaar. The Brahmins who received such grants were called mahajans. Salgaon was an Agrahaar, the name derived from Shalagrama, Marcella or Mashel too, the name being derived from the word Mahashala, Madgaon also, being derived from the word Matthagrama, and math being an institution where the teacher and the taught stayed together. Agarvada, Karmalli-Brahma (there is a Karmalli Budruk to distinguish it from this nearby place), Maisal, (Mahashala), Odshel (Hodil Shala), Salavali, Saleli, Sal etc. are some names which clearly indicate their being centres of learning or Agrahaar. Stone epigraphs announcing the founding of such Agrahaar in Goa have been destroyed as most of these inscriptions were in the premises of ancient temples, which were also destroyed on a large scale. > The scholarly Brahmins invited to settle down in these Agrahaar were expected to be well-versed in Chaturdasha Vidyas or 14 branches of learning including the four Vedas. Founding of an Agrahaar, like the building of a temple or excavating of a tank, was considered as an act of bringing one merit or punnya.

Gaudd Saraswat Brahmins saw that the Gram-Saumstha (which was later known as Communidade, during the Portuguese reign) and temples formed economic and cultural impetus for social upbringing and peace in day to day life. Noted intellectual from Goa Shri. Chandrakant Keni says: "Portuguese tried to pervert the former (Gram-Saumstha) and destroy the latter (temples). In the process, the Gram-Saumstha lost their basic character and utility and became a tool in the hands of rulers."

4. GOTRAS OF THE GAUDD SARASWAT BRAHMINS:

4.1. WHAT IS GOTRA?

[[[Gotra]]] means kinship among the Saraswat Brahmins. Scriptures say that children of a Brahmin mean 'Gotra'. The first two letters in the word i. e. 'go' means a cow and land; and the last three letters i.e. 'tra' means 'a protector'. Hence the term 'gotra' means the protectors of the Saraswat Brahmin-kinship from all tyrants and impurity on a land full of cowherds. This scheme tells the story of the Saraswat Brahmins, who were farmers and cow-herdsman as well. Besides, the Saraswat Brahmins would perform all functions. Viz. the shatt or six karmas enjoined on the Brahmins are as follows The gotra system was instituted for the purposes of identifying one's ancestors and pay respects during various invocations and other rituals to honor their fathers, fore-fathers and so on, up to their respective Rushi. This was later extended to other aspects of the Brahmin life, such as marriage and temple worship. Marriage is not allowed within the same gotra in order to avoid impure matrimony. This thinking is in tune with the modern day genetic paradigms of hybrid vigor. This scheme of gotra forbids of having sexual alliance within the kinship for genetic reasons. It also encompasses a vast genetic upbringing among the Saraswat Brahmins. The term of GOTRA has been bane of existence of the SARASWAT BRAHMINS. Their presence in Goa is itself based on this concept. The gotra system is part of a system of classification or identification of various Brahmin families in ancient times. The gotra classification took form probably sometime during the Yajurveda period, after the Rig Veda period. It is believed that the gotras (now account to a total of 49) started to consolidate sometime around 10-8 Century B.C.

4.2. GOTRAS OF GAUD SARASWAT BRAHMINS:

Herein, glimpses can be seen about the structure of the GOTRAS OF GAUD SARASWAT BRAHMINS.The present day gotra classification is created from a core of 8 rushis (The Sapta rushis + Agastya). The Seven rushis are Atri, Kaashyap, Gautama, Bharadwaaj, Jamadagni (Vatsa), Vasishtth (Kaundinya), Vishwamitra (Kaushik); Seven Rushis (Saptarshi) are recognized as the mind born sons of the creator Brahma. If any Saraswat Brahmin fails to recollect the name of his gotra, then the tradition allows him to embrace a 'Bharadwaaj' gotra. All present day Brahmin communities are said to be descendants of these eight Rushis. The gotras of GSBs is believed to be originated from the ten Rushis viz. ATRI, KAASHYAP, KAUNDINYA, KAUSHIK, GAUTAMA, JAMADAGNYA, BHARADWAAJ, VATSA, VASISHTTH, and VISHWAMITRA (KAMSHI)

Importance of Gotras The lines of descent from the major rushis are originally divided into Gannas [sub divisions] and each Ganna is further divided into families. However, subsequently the term gotra is frequently applied to the Gannas and to the families within the Gannas interchangeably. These Rushis belonged to different sects like Shakta, Shaiva and Vaishnnav and had different deities for worship. Such deities came to be known as the Kul-devata (tutelary deities). GOTRAS, SURNAMES AND KUL-DEVATA The gotra is also interlinked with the surnames and the Kul-devata. An illustrative list is given below: Bhargava Parashuram brought sixty-six families from ten scholarly kinsmen (DASHA-GOTRI SARASWAT BRAHMINS) from the then holy place namely TRIHOTRA for purification of this reclaimed land. They were Atri, Kaashyap, Kaundinnya, Kaushik (Kaunsa), Gautama, Jamadagnya, Bharadwaaj, Vatsa, Vasishtth, and Vishwamitra. Bhargava Parashuram also chose thirty Saraswat Brahmins from SHRAAWASTI NAGAR of north Koshal Pradesh (South Bengal), which was also known as GAUD. Hence the Brahmins from that region were also known as the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins. Gaud was known for rich heritage. The Saraswat Brahmins, who have passion for literature. They are also well known for their sharp memory. They are non-violent too. The families belonging to various gotras settled down in Goa as follows: Vatsa, Kaundinnya and Kautsa at Kushsthali (Cortali) and Kelloshi (Cavelossim), twelve families of Kirvants (families performing dignified rites) spread throughout out Salcete, ten families at Chorao (Chuddamanni), eight families at Divar (Dipavati), six families each at Lotulim and Madgaon. Except Kirvants, all others performed normal religious rituals. A second batch of thirty Saraswat Brahmins followed. They belonged to Angirasa, Garghya, Dhananjaya, Nairdhruva, Mudgala, Vainnya, Shandilya, Samkhyana, Sankha-Pingala-Kausta (Kaunsa), and Harsha and Hariha gotras. They were absorbed as per their nearness to their tutelary deities. The families belonging to various gotras settled down in Goa as follows: Vatsa, Kaundinnya and Kautsa at Kushsthali (Cortali), twelve families of Kirvants (families performing dignified rites) spread throughout out Salcete, ten families at Chorao (Chuddamanni), eight families at Divar (Dipavati), six families each at Lotulim and Madgaon. Except Kirvants, all others performed religious rituals.

4.3. TUTELARY DEITIES' (KUL-DEVATA) AND GOTRA:

Every Gaudd Saraswat Brahmin worships his TUTELARY DEITIES' (KUL-DEVATA). Those have been worshipped in well structured temples. Following is a list of such TUTELARY DEITIES' (KUL-DEVATA) in view of their respective Gotra:

SHRI. MAANGUIRISH GAUD SARASWAT BRAHMINS: The Mangesh Linga is said to have been consecrated on the mountain of Mangireesh (Mongir) on the banks of river Bhagirathi by Lord Brahma , from where the Saraswat Brahmins brought it to Trihotrapuri in Bihar. They carried the linga to Gomantaka and settled at Mathagrama, the present-day Madgoa, establishing their most sacred and ancient temple of Mangesh on the banks of the river Gomati or Zuari as it is called today. Lord Mangesh is worshipped here in the shape of a Shiva linga. According to the legends Lord Shiva had manifested in to a tiger to scare Parvati. Paravati who was paranoid at the sight of the tiger went in search of Lord Shiva. Parvati was supposed to say "Trahiman Gireesh" but instead out of nervousness she said: "Trahimangeesh"VATSA GOTRA: - Borkaar (They are 'Waangadd'* of Shri. Maanguirish but Mahajans of Shri Devi Shanta-Durga), Kavyalapur), Walawalkar, Dhumay, Kanttack (Ttaanckee, Sallkar, Ussagaonkaar, Kaakoddkaar), Kenddaary, Kenckaray (Laawannis, Aagashikar, Addwalpaalkaar, Toarsekaar Priollkar, Koanekaar, Kawade, Gunjikaar, Khoat, Phaddnis, Ambiye, Tinaikaar, Telang (Dewan-halli), Dalvi, Naik-Hingatay, Naik-Sanzguiri Netraawallikaar, Brahmay (Shirpurkaar), Bhissay (Aatthawannkaar, Boanddasay, Pattkaar, Bhaatikaar), Naik-Kollambay (Karandday), Laad (Dubhaashee, Saangaddekaar), Shinganna

GAUD SARASWAT BRAHMINS : KAUNDINYA GOTRA: - Bhaandaary (Pataawarkaar, Satyawant Bhaandaary), Dalvi, (Aarass, Shinganna Dalvi, Shingabaall, Raajaadhyaksha Dalvi, Dhaayamoadde, Gaddnnees, Mannerkaar, Naaddkarnnee, Raangannekaar, Mayenkaar, Gudde-Manddurkaar, Nagarcenkar, Saalelkaar, Pillagaonkaar, Paawasay, Deshapaande, Ussgaokaar, Mullagaonkaar, Karnnick, Deshakullakarnni), Paalekaar, Paalekaar (Aambaye, Koallmulle, Nerlikaar, Kaayasulakar, Bastoaddkaar), Kaissaray (Kesari), Waagalle (Waagh, Vaishnnav, Majaallkar, Aursekaar, Aajagaonkaar), Bhendde (Paaganis),

SHRI DEVI SHANTA-DURGA (Kavyalapur) GAUD SARASWAT BRAHMINS : KAUSHIK GOTRA: - Bhaandaary (Bhandarkar, Chinnarkaar), Rege (Mantri, Bakshi, Kulkarni, Assolddekaar, Kuddchaddkaar, Kotthambkaar, Talwaddkaar, Malkarnekaar, Shirwaikaar, Shelddekaar, Hoddaarkaar, Balldikaar, Saanvorddekaar, Saallaawalikaar, Surlakaar,, Saankorddekar, Kholkaar, Zhannkaar), Saakhardaandday (Naaringakaar), Dhounday, Raamaanni (Raamaayanni, Dessai), Mahaale (Shirodkar), Harapati (Pissurlenkaar), Vaidya (Hawaaldaar-Sthallekaar, Koppikkaar), Sukhatthankaar (Ghanttkar, Surlakaar, Saankhallee, Kuvelkaar, Kaaraapurkaar, Kaansaarkoddkaar, Nilkundkaar), Shridharpai (Punerkar), Shinsaannee (Kunddaikaar), Gaayatondday

VATSA GOTRA: Borkaar (Varde, Shennavi), Waalaawalikaar, Bharanne, Jaakhee, Sabanis, Aachamani, Khaasanis, Ballanawallikaar). They are 'Waangadd'* of Shri. Maanguirish but Mahajans of Shri Devi Shanta-Durga.

GAUD SARASWAT BRAHMINS: BHARADWAAJ GOTRA: Pai Paanandikaar, Gangollikaar, Kalyaannkaar

SHRI. MAHALASA NARAYANI: Bharadwaaj Gotra - Pai, Atri Gotra - Pai, Kaushik Gotra - Pai, Gaargya Gotra - Shenoy, Gaargya Gotra - Kamat, Gaargya Gotra - Bhat, Kaushik Gotra - Bhakta, Atri Gotra - Bhat

SHRI. RAMNATH-SANTERI-KAMAKSHI: Vatsa Gotra - Shenoy, Vatsa Gotra - Baliga, Kaundinnya Gotra - Shenoy, Kaundinnya Gotra - Nayak, Kaundinnya Gotra - Pai, Kaundinnya Gotra - Bhat, Vatsa Gotra - Bhat, Kaundinnya Gotra - Kini

SHRI. DAMODAR MAHA-LAKSHMI and SHRI. DAMODAR ARYAADURGA: Kaushik Gotra - Prabhu, Kaushik Gotra - Kamat, Kaashyap Gotra - Hegde, Kaashyap Gotra - Baliga

SHRI. NAGESH MAHA-LAKSHMI: Bharadwaaj Gotra - Prabhu, Vatsa Gotra - Mallya, Kaushik Gotra - Nayak

SHRI. KATTYAANI BANNESHWAR: Kaushik Gotra - Shenoy

SHRI. DEVAKI-KRISHNA RAVALNATH: Atri Gotra - Prabhu, Kashyapa Gotra - Prabhu

SHRI. NARSIMHA SHANTADURGA-VIJAYADURGA: Shankha Pingala Kounsa Gotra - Nayak, Shankha Pingala Kounsa Gotra - Padiyar, Shankha Pingala Kounsa Gotra - Bhandarakar

SHRI. MAHAAMAAYA: Kondinya Gotra - Kamath

'Waangadd' means the kinsmen of the GAUD SARASWAT BRAHMINS, who shouldered their tutelary deities to safe places at the time of religious onslaught by the Catholic Orders during the 16th century Portuguese regime in Goa. An eminent historian late Vinayak Narayan Shennavi Dhumay has done in depth research on the kinship and their nearness to their tutelary deities.

4.4. VATSA GOTRIANS AMONG THE SARASWAT BRAHMINS IN GOA:

It has already been mentioned that the term SARASWAT has been synonymous with the title 'Brahmin'. Goddess Saraswati is the tutelary mother of Saraswats, Lord Brahma being their tutelary father. Lord Brahma approved all the Saraswat Brahmins to adopt their kinship based on the lineage with great sages. Accordingly, the gotras of GSBs is believed to be originated from the Rushis viz. ATRI, KAASHYAP, KAUNDINYA, KAUSHIK, GAUTAMA, JAMADAGNYA, BHARADWAAJ, VASISHTTH, and VISHWAMITRA (KAMSHI). But, Lord Brahma adopted some among them and called them as VATSA. Vatsa means a babe/ babes. Traditionally, it is also believed that the Vatsa Gotra is belongs to Jamadagni Rishi lineage. Bhargava Parashuram was the fifth son of Jamadagni Rushi (other four being Rumnnwaan, Sushenn, Vasu and Vishwaavasu). So, it is possible that because of their in borne virtues, Sage Jamadagni might have adopted Saraswat Brahmins belonging to the Vatsa Gotra. Bhargava Parashuram brought sixty-six families from ten scholarly kinsmen (DASHA-GOTRI SARASWAT BRAHMINS) from the then holy place namely TRIHOTRA for purification of the reclaimed land of Konkan. They were Atri, Kaashyap, Kaundinya, Kaushik (Kaunsa), Gautama, Jamadagnya, Bharadwaaj, Vatsa, Vasishtth, and Vishwamitra. So, Vatsa gotra was already therein as one among the ten gotras.

No wonder, in course of time, these babes were more and more pampered. Pampering by the tutelary mother Saraswati and tutelary father Lord Brahma made them snob. By nature all the Vatsa gotrians are stinking snob. They are in-borne egocentric and would prefer a fire-test to prove own self-respect. But their snobbish attitude and ego has been positive and constructive. So also, they are known for their sense of superiority in comprehending ability and liberal (rather non-conservative) in approach. They are bold, modern in their approach. Since at core they are human beings, they believe in welfare of all, irrespective of any reservations. In course of time, all of them were collectively known as of a gotra namely Vatsa. All of them followed 'Paurohitya' (acts of sacerdots, priesthood). Vatsa-Kaannva, Vatsapri-Bhaalndan and Vatsa-Agneya are known as contributors of Rig-Veda. Vatsa-Kaannva was the son of Kaannva. He was abused by Medhyaatithee, which brought shame to the Vatsas. He underwent a fire-test and proved purity of his soul. He contributed to the eighth 'manddal' out of 10 'manddal' of Rig-Veda.

The sixth 'sukta' (incitation no. 8.6.46-48) mentions of Tirinder, who was also known as Parshwya, the king of Parshu-desh (Persia i. e. Iran). Hemadri has also made his mention. Coincidently, Hemadri belonged to Vatsa gotra. Hemadd Pandit, one of the celebrated personalities from the twelfth century and prime minister of the Deogiri Empire belonged to the Vatsa gotra. Vatsapri-Bhaalndan contributed to the ninth and tenth 'manddal' out of 10 'manddal' of Rig-Veda. The 68th sukta of the ninth and 45th and 46th sukta of the tenth 'manddal' make a mention of Pawamaan Soam and Agni. His name also surfaces in 'Panchvinsha Brahman (12.11.25) as a contributor to Sam Veda. It is known as 'Vaatspra'. His name is also referred in Taittariya Samhita ( 5.2.1.6), Kaatthak Samhita (19.12), Maitraayanni Samhita (3.2.2), and Shatapath Brahman (6.4.4.1). Vatsa-Agneya had contributed to the tenth 'manddal' of 10 of Rig-Veda, (incitation no. 10.187) eulogizing Agni. One is reminded of Vatsa-Kaannva, who too had lauded Agni.

While the 96 families of Saraswat Brahmins had already left for Konkan under the leadership of Bhargava Parashuram, others were engrossed in for several centuries, in creating own domain for farming and rearing cows so as to concentrate on their normal religious activities. This lineage was so mighty that, later on, Vatsa gotrians formed one of the sixteen powerful provinces ('Janpada') in the north India on the bank of Yamuna, during the 6th century. This land was known as Vatsabhumi. Its capital city was Kaushambi. Today it is known as Kossam, which is about thirty miles away from Prayaag. Vatsa province was very fertile one and was known for fine cotton/muslin. This province fought Kauravas, while supporting the Pandavas. After the war was over, the people of Hastinapur preferred Vatsabhumi, for asylum, considering the benevolent nature of the Vatsas. Udayan has been the well known legend of this province. Unfortunately, this province, later on, was conquered by Shishunag of Magadha Empire. Jain KALPASUTRA also has mentioned 24 teerthankar and gotras viz. Kaashyap, Gautama, Vatsa, Kautsa, Kaushik, Mandap and Vasishtth. Therein seven more sub-groups have been mentioned among the Vats in the Jain Kalpasutra viz. Vatsa, Angiya, Bhittiya, Saamlinn, Selveaa, Asthisen and Vayukrushnna. This background exhibits the salient history of Vatsa Gotrians. But, for conspicuous reasons our so called historians do not mention this chronology. They take so many references at a time, mostly, which are not so relevant to each other, and make all confusing statements without arriving at certain conclusions, if at all they are annoying their godfathers, who have been feeding borrowed viewpoints.

While N. B. Nayak mentions that all the Saraswats, who came in the Konkan land, were Vaishnnav, Anant Ramakrishna Shennavi Dhumay stresses that until the 15th century, Vaishnnavism was not known to the Saraswats. These historians also deny people their own rights. Nambudri Brahmins follow Parashuram Shaka, and these historians call it as Kollam Shaka. N. G. Chapekar denies the right of Chitpavan Brahmins of maintaining their belief of having affiliations with Parashuram. These historians will not hesitate to prove that Buddhism was the state religion of Andhra Pradesh, on the ground that a huge statue has been erected in water tank at Hyderabad during the late twentieth century, which was brought from outside India. They will also emphatically make a statement after one thousand years that the Shri Mahalasa temple at Mardol near Mangesh temple (Priol) was indeed a Buddha temple, because small idols were found on the roof top of the temple. They even do not attempt to go to the roots. Some of the students of history pass on remarks that Gaud Saraswat Brahmins do not worship Bhargava Parashuram, who had brought them down the Konkan. Some of them also mention that there are temples dedicated to Bhrugu and Bhargava Parashuram viz. Bhrugu temple (6th century) at Barouche (Bhrugu+Kutcch) and Parashuram temples at Luhaaraa and Travancore; but Saraswats have not built even one. They forgot the fact that the Saraswat Brahmins, traditionally, do not construct a temple of their own ancestors and worship them, unless he happens to be the KUL-PURUSH. None of them are God and they would consider it blasphemous to say so. That is the main reason for which the Saraswat Brahmins do not worship Bhargava Parashuram. Bhargava Parashuram brought sixty-six families from ten scholarly kinsmen (DASHA-GOTRI SARASWAT BRAHMINS) from the then holy place namely TRIHOTRA for purification of this reclaimed land. They were Atri, Kaashyap, Kaundinnya, Kaushik (Kaunsa), Gautama, Jamadagnya, Bharadwaaj, Vatsa, Vasishtth, and Vishwamitra. Bhargava Parashuram also chose thirty Saraswat Brahmins from SHRAAWASTI NAGAR of north Koshal Pradesh (South Bengal), which was also known as GAUD. Hence the Brahmins from that region were also known as the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins.

Gaud (the north Bengal) was known for rich heritage. The Saraswat Brahmins, who have passion for literature. They are also well known for their sharp memory. They are non-violent too. The families belonging to various gotras settled down in Goa as follows: Vatsa, Kaundinya and Kautsa at Kushsthali (Cortali) and Kelloshi (Cavelossim), twelve families of Kirvants (families performing dignified rites) spread throughout out Salcete, ten families at Chorao (Chuddamanni), eight families at Divar (Dipavati), six families each at Lotulim and Madgaon. Except Kirvants, all others performed normal religious rituals. It appears that the temples of Shri. Mangesh and Shri. Devi Shanta-Durga, the tutelary deities of Smaarta Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, was not constructed at Kushsthali (Cortali) and Kelloshi (Cavelossim), until then. All the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins were worshipping their tutelary deity viz. Shri. Mangesh, Shri. Shanta-Durga and others with full decorum in own residences, every day. For various reasons, the Brahmins traveled out for days together and the daily worship hampered. While they were facing such a precarious position, to their rescue came another Gaud Saraswat Brahmin, namely 'Dwija-Shreshtth' (meaning a sacerdotalist) Devasharma belonging to Vatsa gotra from Kanauj! Dwija-Shreshtth Devasharma was on pilgrimage. While returning from Rameshwar to Varanasi, he halted for a while at Aghanashini River at Kushsthali. Most probably, he must have been staying with another Vatsa Gaud Saraswat Brahmin. Other GSBs also might have expressed to Dwija-Shreshtth Devasharma, their woes about the intolerable break in their daily worshipping ritual for obvious reasons. Every day Dwija-Shreshtth Devasharma bathed in the Aghanashini River, with all religious fervour.

While Dwija-Shreshtth Devasharma had gone in the waters of the River, he saw a cow entering into the waters. She dipped in for some time and returned. Indeed, it was an amazing view! This continued for three days. On the fourth day, Dwija-Shreshtth Devasharma caught the tail of the cow and followed her. After she went in the deep waters, she began flowing milk on a Shiva-lingam. Dwija-Shreshtth Devasharma started eulogizing Mangesh (Shiva-Shankar) and Shanta-Durga and requested them to explain the entire incident. They told him that the name of the cow was Kapila from the heaven. He requested Shri. Mangesh (Shiva-Shankar) and Shri. Devi Shanta-Durga to remain in the vicinity. Shri. Mangesh (Shiva-Shankar) and Shri. Devi Shanta-Durga blessed him and agreed accordingly. The religious predicament of the GSBs was instantly over. Their tutelary deity was consecrated inside sanctum. In stead of worshipping in the residences, all the Saraswats began to worship Shiva and Parvati, in various appearances, with full religious decorum at one place i. e. temple. Shri. Mangesh was considered as the patron of Kushsthali and Shri. Devi Shanta-Durga of Keloshi. Thus Dwija-Shreshtth Devasharma from the Vatsa gotra fulfilled the duties of a benevolent Brahmin. The GSB Mahajans (worshippers) of Shri. Mangesh belonged to two gotras, viz. Kaundinya and Vatsa. But, the GSB Mahajans (worshippers) of Shri. Devi Shanta-Durga belonged to only one gotra, viz. Kaushik. Both of them had arrived at certain understanding, since all of them belonged to the Smaarta sect. Marriages and all prominent festivals would take place in connivance between the two groups of Mahajans. . In the sixteenth century, during the Portuguese atrocities in Goa, all the GSBs had exodus to safer locations. At that critical moment, again all the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin of Vatsa Gotra came to the rescue of tutelary deity. They carried away the tutelary deity of Mangesh in a palakhi. It was a hazardous task and consecrated the deity at present location at Priol. Since then, in token, the honour of shouldering the palakhi of Shri. Mangesh and Shri. Vitthal-Rakhumaai is being offered only to the Mahajans belonging to the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins of Vatsa Gotra. The Mahajans of Shri. Mangesh, apparently due to certain misunderstanding, broke away from the Mahajans of Shri. Shanta-Durga. The Mahajans of Shri. Devi Shanta-Durga would not see a bridegroom from another sect of Vaishnnav for obvious reasons to get their daughters wedded. They remained unwedded for pretty long span of time. The Mahajans of Shri. Mangesh were not in a mood of budging. At these tense hours, came forward, none other than the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins of Vatsa Gotra. Some of them were annoyed for this uncanny situation created by their fellowmen. They revolted. They rejected the honour of being a Mahajans of their tutelary deity en masse. The Mahajans of Shri. Devi Shanta-Durga gave a sigh of relief and offered them the honour of being the Mahajans of Shri. Devi Shanta-Durga. They were blessed with another title viz. 'Varde' and approved Shri. Devi Shanta-Durga as their tutelary deity. As such they are 'Waangadd'* of Shri. Mangesh and Mahajans of Shri. Shanta-Durga simultaneously. In course of time, the Mahajans of Shri. Mangesh repented, for they were in the some piquant situation. On the advice of Vatsa gotrians, the Mahajans of Shri. Devi Shanta-Durga adopted one more gotra namely Bharadwaaj for their fold. Thus, the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins of Vatsa Gotra have always been on the forefronts for the well being of the oppressed. Today we find a number of them are well respected members at local as well as international level. Many of them have been honoured by the contemporary rulers with awards considering their commitment, dedication and sincerity.

The following are some of the names belonging to the Vatsa gotra of the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins fold: Borkaar (Varde, Shennavi), Waalaawalikaar, Bharanne, Jaakhee, Sabanis, Aachamani, Khaasanis, Ballanawallikaar), Varde-Borkaar-Tadkodkaar. (They are 'Waangadd'* of Shri. Maanguirish but Mahajans of Shri Devi Shanta-Durga), Kavyalapur), Walawalkar, Dhumay, Kanttack (Ttaanckee, Sallkar, Ussagaonkaar, Kaakoddkaar), Kenddaary, Kenckaray (Laawannis, Aagashikar, Addwalpaalkaar, Toarsekaar Priollkar, Koanekaar, Kawade, Gunjikaar, Khoat, Phaddnis, Ambiye, Tinaikaar, Telang (Dewan-halli), Dalvi, Naik-Hingatay, Naik-Sanzguiri Netraawallikaar, Brahmay (Shirpurkaar), Bhissay (Aatthawannkaar, Boanddasay, Pattkaar, Bhaatikaar), Naik-Kollambay (Karandday), Laad (Dubhaashee, Saangaddekaar), Shinganna, Shenoy, Baliga, Mallya Bhat.

'Waangadd' means the kinsmen of the GAUD SARASWAT BRAHMINS, who shouldered their tutelary deities to safe places at the time of religious onslaught by the Catholic Orders during the 16th century Portuguese regime in Goa One need not forget that, India has never written (re-written) her history since ages, in the sense, that is being considered today. In fact, the entire concept of history writing in India is a borrowed viewpoint. In reality, history can be traceable through the scriptures and other relevant literature. Historicity has to be accepted on the basis of this literature. Today, unfortunately, the entire history of India, which can be viewed through literature, is considered as a myth, for various reasons and vested interests. But, curiously enough, while most of the so called historians are bent upon the rejecting the history of Saraswat Brahmins, and propounding own theories, for some or other vested interests, most of the Saraswat Brahmin historians have been apologetic for the entire historical background. They, clandestinely, appear to be killers of their own species, just as a wooden handle of an axe cuts off a tree! It is understandable, when, all the envious, lazy, hater of virtues, stand against an upright and progressive society by spreading various rumours. But, it is unfortunate, when ignorance and changing criterion reject the reality. All the Christians stick to their Bible (specifically to the 'The New Testament') and Mohammedans do not even imagine getting away from Quran. All the Saraswat Brahmins should make determination of sticking to their own history, and need not make an attempt to join hands with those people, who are bent on rejecting the history of Saraswat Brahmins. Earlier they were skeptic about the very existence of Saraswati River. Fortunately, the existence of Saraswati River has been proved by the Americans in the late nineties of the twentieth century. We must believe in the historicity based on the literature, which is available since thousands of years. This concept is not new for us. This has been the practice among all the religious communities in the world. So far we have come to know about Saraswati River, Ram Setu, and Dwaaraka. More and more instances will come on the fore, which will substantiate the real appearance of the so called myths. Shri. Shankar Pandurang Pandit and Sir Ramakrishna Bhandarkar the great scholars of eighteenth and nineteenth century approved this historical fact. It is an obvious fact that when a civilized and cultured society settles down in a particular locality, then people, the transgressors, who are desirous of employment, also start pouring into the rich settlements from remote places. They are migrants but transgressors. Initially, these transgressors exhibit their virtues with all humbleness, modesty, honesty etc. because they are in need of bread and butter. In course of time, a few among these people, mostly offspring and their spouses, intentionally grow a tendency of obstinacy, arrogance and later on they wait for quarrels. People, who are despised by own society among the settlers, for their unwarranted opposition for opposition sake attitude or for their 'attention-seeker' behavior, also begin joining hands with the people brewing nuisance. They engage in various theories and make successful or unsuccessful attempts in infusing violence and confusing history.


5. PROMINENT SARASWATS:

PROMINENT SARASWAT BRAHMINS OF THE SOUTH-WESTERN COAST OF INDIA (In an alphabetical order):

AMRUTA RAO
ANUPAM KHER (KASHMIRI PANDIT SARASWAT)
BHASKAR CHANDAWARKAR (MUSICIAN)
DILIP VENGASARKAR (CRICKET PLAYER)
GIRISH KARNAD
GURUDATTA PADDUKONNA (CINEMA ACTOR)
ISHA KOPPIKAR
JAWAHARLAL NEHRU - KASHMIRI PANDIT SARASWAT
JAYAVANT DALVI,
AUTHOR K V KAMAT
KAMALADEVI CHATTOPADHYAYA (LITTERATEUR)
KALPANA LAJMI (ART DIRECTOR )
LEENA CHANDAWARKAR (ACTRESS)
M V KAMAT (EDITOR, TIMES OF INDIA)
NANDAN NILEKANI
P. L. DESHAPAANDE (LITTERATEUR)
PRAKASH PADDUKONNA
RAMBHAU MOZE
RAGHUVEER NAADDKARNNEE
SHYAAM BENEGAL (CINEMA DIRECTOR),
SHOBHA DEY (JOURNALIST)
SACHIN TENDULKAR (ALL TIME GREAT IN WORLD CRICKET)
SUNIL GAVASKAR (CRICKETER)
PADMASHRI - DR. T. M. A. PAI (FOUNDER MANIPAL INSTITUTIONS)
SHRINIWAS MALLYA
V. S. KUDDAVA
VIJAY MALLYA (INDUSTRIALIST)

6. GLOSSARY:

BRAHMIN:a member of Hindoo priestly class
DASHA-GOTRI SARASWAT BRAHMINS: Atri, Kaashyap, Kaundinya, Kaushik (Kaunsa), Gautama, Jamadagnya, Bharadwaaj, Vatsa, Vasishtth, and Vishwamitra.
GSB MAHAJANS: worshippers of tutelary deities in the temples of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins
GOTRA:a kinship among the Saraswat Brahmins
GAUD:SHRAAWASTI NAGAR of north Koshal Pradesh (South Bengal)
KUL-DEVATA:tutelary deities among the Gaudd Saraswat Brahmins
SARASWATs: The Brahmins, who descended from Kashmir and settled down on the banks a river namely Saraswati.
WAANGADD:the kinsmen of the GAUD SARASWAT BRAHMINS, who shouldered their tutelary deities to safe places at the time of religious onslaught by the Catholic Orders during the 16th century Portuguese regime in Goa.

7. REFERENCE LIST:

1. Campbell, the editor of Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency (Vol. X, p. 116)
2. Cochin Tribes and Castes, L. K. Anant Krishna Iyer, Government of Cochin, 1912
3. Cabra de Andrea Corsali, Hobson Jobson, London, 1903
4. Dhumay, Vinayak Narayan Shennavi., Deobhumi Gomantak, Goa, 1987
5. Existence of Saraswati River: Evidences from Remote Sensing and GIS: LANDSAT imagery, Digital enhancement studies of IRS-1C data (1995), LISS-III data of IRS-1C satellite, NRSA used Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS- P3) Wide Field Sensor (WiFS) data, WiFS and SIR-C/X-SAR images,
6. Kalidasa's 'Abhijnan Shakuntalam')
7. Munshi, Kanhayyaalaal, a noted historian dates about the existence of Bhargava Parashuram during the period of 5000 B.C.
8. Ramani Pandurang shennavi, Shri Shantadurga Deosthan, Goa, 1991
9. Saraswats in Kanara, Kanara Gazetteer, 1883
10. Sharma, Ganesh Ramchandra., 'Saraswat-Bhushan'
11. Keni, Chandrakant., Saraswats in Goa and Beyond, Goa, 1998
12. Skanda-Puranna (Sahyadri Khanda, Uttarardha 1-3), 13. Taittariya Samhita ( 5.2.1.6), Kaatthak Samhita (19.12), Maitraayanni Samhita (3.2.2), and Shatapath Brahman (6.4.4.1)

This article should help the students of history to take a note of remote past and the Gaudd Saraswat Brahmins in Goa. One should also take a note that these Brahmins have never ruled India but were instrumental in forming the progressive fate of Indians, mostly in all spheres of life.

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© Dr S M Tadkodkar
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