Brahmin
Categories: Hinduism-related stubs | Caste | Four sections of varnas | Social groups of India
A Brahmin is a member of the Hindu priestly caste. The word is related to but not to be confused with Hindu religious conception of the transcendent and immanent supreme soul, "Brahman".
The word Brahmin is said to literally mean One who has realised or attempts to realise Brahman. The traditional duties of this caste include studying Hindu religious scriptures of Vedas and preserving it in memory and transmitting it orally to the next generation. The priests of Hindu temples are also from this caste. In India, in ancient times they also served as spiritual advisors of Kshatriya Kings.
In Hinduism, Brahmins are regarded to be of highest order caste among all the other castes.
The Boston Brahmins are a group of aristocratic families in the New England region of the United States. Their name is derived from that of the caste.
See also
- Adi Shankara
- Advaita
- Brahman (cattle)
- Brahmanism
- Maithili Brahmins
- Deshastha Brahmin
- Dvaita
- Iyengar
- Iyer
- Kanyakubj Brahmins
- Karhade Brahmin
- Madhva
- Maharashtrian Konkanastha Brahmins
- Mulukanadu community
- Namboothiri
- Ramanuja
- Saraswat Brahmins
- Shri Madhvacharya
- Kannada Brahmins
- Smartha
- Telugu Brahmins
- Vishishtadvaita
- Vishwamitra brahmin
et:Brahmaanid lt:Brahmanas ja:ブラフミン pt:Brâmane sv:Brahmin zh:婆罗门