Introduction / History

Dhimans are not like other Brahmin communities. Since their beginning they have been focused on architecture and building instead of priestly duties. According to their traditions, they are the descendants of the five sons of their god, Lord Vishwakarma. These sons represent blacksmiths, carpenters, metal craftsmen, stone cutters, and goldsmiths.

Where Are they Located?

Dhiman Brahmins are scattered across India in dozens of jātis (castes) speaking many different languages. A high percentage of them also speak English as higher education in India is mostly English medium.

Brahmins are disproportionately represented among overseas Indians due to their higher educational attainments, so those who reach out to Indian nationals in the West are very likely reaching out to people who are extremely difficult to reach in South Asia. If you meet an engineer from India in the West, he might be from the Dhiman community.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally in the varna system Brahmins are considered as priests, but a temple priest is a lowly position that no Brahmin family wants their sons to aspire towards. In today's world it is common for Dhiman Brahmins to be skilled craftsmen involved with building such as engineers and architects. Others are skilled craftsmen like metal workers or carpenters.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Dhiman Brahmins worship Vishwakarma, the central deity for Hindu craftsmen and architects. That god is the personification of all creative power, and the revealer of knowledge having to do with the science of mechanics and architecture. Dhiman Brahmins are often called Vishwabrahmins after their primary god.

What Are Their Needs?

The Brahmins as an influential and generally well-to-do community are not unlike the middle classes of most places. Their main needs involve relational strains that are usually kept behind closed doors. Modernization is breaking down family units which have been the glue to society for many generations, and loneliness is increasingly a problem. They are expected to "achieve it all," but ironically, achieving it all can be empty.

Prayer Points

* Pray for Christ to reveal Himself to Dhiman Brahmin leaders.
* Pray for the eyes of Brahmin hearts to be open to Jesus Christ as Lord and king.
* Pray for Holy Spirit directed Christ followers to go to Dhiman Brahmin communities.
* Pray for a disciple making movement to emerge among every Brahmin community.
* Pray for many to be prompted to faithfully pray for Brahmins.

References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16682/IN
http://aboutdhiman.blogspot.com/
https://dhimansamaj.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/dhiman-a-committed-dedicated-community/
http://www.peoplegroups.org/Explore/groupdetails.aspx?peid=41809