Sawaria Brahmin in Nepal


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Nepal census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Brahmans (often in the past spelled Brahmins) are the highest of the four varna (major caste groupings) in Hinduism. The historical developments of various Brahman castes are not clear, as the history of the caste system itself is unclear. There was perhaps a caste system based on personal merit at one time before the hereditary caste system became dominant, as is seen in modern history. Brahman castes became powerful in the early centuries of the Christian Era through alliances with kings, who granted them landed estates related to temples and temple service. There has never been a comprehensive analysis of all the different types and subgroups of Brahmans.

Traditionally Brahmans have five daily duties; to the gods, to ancestors, to all creatures, to humans, and to study. Thus daily worship (duty to gods) and chanting of sacred texts (duty to study) are an integral part of many Brahmans' lives, even if this is only a token routine for many.


Where Are they Located?

Saraswat Brahmans live mainly in the southern states of India, though some also live further north in Nepal.

Brahmans are disproportionately represented among overseas Nepalis due to their higher educational attainments, so those who reach out to Nepali nationals in the West are very likely reaching out to people who are extremely difficult to reach in South Asia.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally in the varna system Brahmans are considered as priests, but a temple priest is a lowly position that no Brahman family wants their sons to aspire towards. Rather, there is strong pressure for higher education. Brahmans have a strong work ethic and are often leaders, whether politically, intellectually, spiritually or socially. This is especially true for the Saraswat Brahmans. They are noted for having high paying jobs as doctors, engineers, and businessmen. They have their own cuisine, which highlights the ingredients found in southern India like coconut.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Saraswat Brahmans have their own family deities, and they regularly visit temples and shrines dedicated to these gods.


What Are Their Needs?

Saraswat Brahmans 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 Saraswat Brahman leaders.
Pray for the eyes of Brahman hearts to be open to Jesus Christ as Lord and king.
Pray for Holy Spirit directed Christ followers to go to Saraswat Brahman communities.
Pray for a disciple making movement to emerge among every Brahman community.
Pray for many to be prompted to faithfully pray for Brahmans.


Scripture Prayers for the Brahmin Sawaria in Nepal.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goud_Saraswat_Brahmin
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19942/IN
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-unknown-facts-about-Gaud-Saraswat-Brahmins-and-Konkani


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Brahmin Sawaria
People Name in Country Brahmin Sawaria
Natural Name Sawaria Brahmin
Pronunciation sah-VARE-ee-ah BRAH-min
Alternate Names Brahman Terai; Brahmin Terai; Saruyada; Sarvad; Savade; ब्रह्मन, सवरिअ
Population this Country 6,600
Population all Countries 5,102,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 19978
ROP3 Code 115759
ROP25 Code 301405
ROP25 Name Brahmin
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States on file 4
Largest States
Lumbini
3,700
Janakpur
1,400
Narayani
1,300
Bheri
300
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States 4
  Lumbini 3,700
  Janakpur 1,400
  Narayani 1,300
  Bheri 300
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Nepal census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Awadhi (2,200 speakers)
Language Code awa   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 4
Secondary Languages
Maithili
2,100
Bhojpuri
1,200
Hindi
200
Primary Language Awadhi (2,200 speakers)
Language Code awa   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 4
Secondary Languages
  Maithili 2,100
  Bhojpuri 1,200
  Hindi 200
People Groups Speaking Awadhi
Photo Source (Representative photo)
Copyrighted © 2024  Isudas  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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