Ambalavasis of Kerala
These form a group of people belonging to various communities of the Hindu religion. Traditionally they are the people who depend mainly on temples for their livelihood. They normally stay near the temples to which they are attached. The Ambalavasis come in between the Brahmins and Nairs in the caste heierarchy.
The following are some of the main communities of Ambalavasis in Kerala :
i) Nambeesans:
Feminine : Brahmani Amma
The main jobs are gathering of flowers, arranging
thigs for the Naivedya, preparing garlands etc.
ii) Pushpakan: Feminine
: Pushpakathi
jobs : similar to the Nambeesans.
iii) Chakyar: Feminine :
Illiyodiamma
Performs Koothu/Koodiyattom
iv) Adikal: Feminine: Adiyissyar
Poojaris of Bhagavathi Kavu. Wears Poonool.
v) Nambiyar: Feminie:
Nangiyar
Accompanies with Mizhavu for Koothu. Now the performers
of Thullal. Do not wear Poonul.
vi) Moothathu: Feminine:
Manayamma
Performs the task of carrying the deity on the elephant
for Ulsavam.
vii)Maras: Feminine:
Marasyar or Marathi
Performs on various types of percussion or other
types of musical instruments
during times of offerings, processions during festivals
etc.
viii)Pisharodis: Feminine:
Pisharasyar
Jobs : similar to Warriers
ix) Warriers: Feminine:
Warassyar
x) Poduval:
Feminine: Poduvalsyar
Various types of jobs connected with the temple.
Usually the Ambalavasis are considered to be a peace loving community. Traditionally they are also vegetarians, on account of the nature of their jobs connected with the temples.
Marriage alliances from among the different communities of the Ambalavasis are rare.