Namadhari Gowdas
Namadhari Gowdas (also called Namadhari Vokkaligas) are a sub-group of the Vokkaliga community of Karnataka, India. They are primarily found in the Malenadu region and parts of coastal and southern Karnataka.
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History
Community traditions hold that Namadhari Gowdas were originally Jains during the period of the Western Ganga dynasty and Hoysala Empire.[1] Under the influence of Sri Ramanujacharya, sections of the community converted to Vaishnavism, giving rise to the Namadhari identity.[2]
Religion and practices
Namadhari Gowdas are historically recorded as adherents of Jainism but are now considered as Hindus. Religious practices include wearing the nama.[2] Some sections are strictly vegetarian, which is attributed to earlier Jain influence.[1]
Distribution
Namadhari Gowdas are concentrated in:
- Malenadu districts such as Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Kodagu, and Hassan
- Coastal Karnataka (Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada)
- Scattered presence in Bayalu Seeme (southern plains of Karnataka)[1]
Surnames and titles
Common surnames among the community include Gowda, Hegde, Nayaka, and Shetty.[1]
The use of Gowda remains the most prominent identity marker.[1]
References
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