Iyers

What is Iyer?

Iyer or Aiyar is a caste in Tamil Nadu. They are Brahmans. They do not eat meat, eggs. They have diary products.

What is caste?

Caste is a social identity. Labourers are given a social identity and are called Shudra caste. Priests are given a social identity and are called Brahman caste. Similarly,  Vaishnav are businessmen and Kshatriyas are warriors.

Which God do Brahman worship?

Iyer Brahman worship Shiva. Iyengar Brahman worship Vishnu.

Who is the top priest in Brahmans?

The top priests of Iyer Brahman are the many Shankaracharyas. Iyengar Brahman do not have top priest as such.

Why are there many Shankaracharyas ?

It is as per Shiva, the God. Shiva's grace, dreams and intuitions to common Brahmans makes possible choosing the Shankaracharyas.  It is something like Dalai Lamas. Dalai Lama are chosen by Buddha. 

What are the common activities of a normal Iyer family?

A normal Iyer family believes in clean and elaborate cooking. Taking bath every day. Doing religious practices.  Indulging in carnatic music and Bharatnatyam, a style of dancing.

Which books do Iyers read ?

Upanishads, Vedas and paeans written by old age saints. 

Do Iyers have divisions in their own caste ?

Yes. The divisions are based on something called gothras. Gothra is the Iyer saint you follow while doing Sandhyavandhanam . My gothra is Gargya gothra. In some way I am north Indian Garg surnamed guys.

Am I a higher Iyer or lower Iyer?

I follow my family members and am a lower Iyer. I am like a Dravidian.

What is Sandhyavandanam ?

Sandhyavandanam are morning,  afternoon and evening prayers of both Iyers and Iyengars. Sandhyavandanam involves recitation of Gayatri mantra. Gayatri mantra is similar to 'La ilaha il Allah Mohammed e rasool ullah' of Muslims. Gayatri mantra is 'Om bhurbhuvaha swahaha tatsavidhurvaranium bhargo devasya dimahihi dhiyo yonaha prachodhayath'

How elaborate could Iyer cooking food can get ?

Very elaborate. Precise recipes. Precise ingredients.  No tasting while cooking. Very clean and ritualistic ladies. And then . . . the ladies get to eat in the end. After everyone had their food. Possibly in the end women eat only rasam or sambhar with their rice. Because other items got finished by men.

Namaste.