Semwal
ClassificationBrahmin
ReligionsHinduism
LanguagesGarhwali
CountryIndia
Populated statesUttarakhand
Related groupsGarhwali people

Semwal is one of the thirty-six subcastes of Sarola Brahmin from Uttarakhand.[1] They are the sole custodians and pandits of the Gangotri temple.[2]

Etymology

The name "Semwal" originates from a place called Sem-Mukhem (Hindi:सेम-मुखेम) in Uttarakhand, abode to the shrine of Sem-Mukhem Nagraj (Hindi: सेममुखेम नागराज) often considered among the locals as the fifth shrine of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage of which the Semwals are permanent serving priests.[3][4] Apart from this, the name "Semwal" might also have originated from Sem village in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district.[5]

References

  1. Saklani, Atul (1987). The History of a Himalayan Princely State: Change, Conflicts, and Awakening: an Interpretative History of Princely State of Tehri Garhwal, U.P., A.D. 1815 to 1949 A.D. Durga Publications. pp. not specified. OCLC 17918157.
  2. Doval, Pankaj (28 June 2013). "Cracks appear in Gangotri temple". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  3. General, India Office of the Registrar (1962). "Census of India, 1961". Manager of Publications via Google Books.
  4. Saklani, Atul (4 May 1987). "The History of a Himalayan Princely State: Change, Conflicts, and Awakening : an Interpretative History of Princely State of Tehri Garhwal, U.P., A.D. 1815 to 1949 A.D." Durga Publications via Google Books.
  5. Gopal, Ram (June 2015). "A Brief Study Of Gastronomy Of Brahmins In Uttarakhand, India". Chitkara University. 2, Issue-10.
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