Rigvedi
Appearance
Rigvedi (also called Rugvedi) is an Indian surname used by Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmins, meaning versed in Rigveda.[1][2] It is one of the two major sub-sects among Deshastha Brahmins.[3][4][5] Similarly there are Yajurvedi (one who knows Yajurveda).[6]
Geographical distribution
As of 2014, 90.32% of all known bearers of the surname Rigvedi were residents of India. The frequency of the surname was higher than national average in the following states:[7]
- 1. Maharashtra
- 2. Karnataka
See also
References
- ^ Amrutur V. Srinivasan. Hinduism For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. p. 113. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
Rigvedi: Expert in Rigveda
- ^ Gyanshruti; Srividyananda. Yajna, a Comprehensive Survey. Yoga Publications Trust. p. 139. Retrieved 1 January 2007.
Since brahmins pursued learning of the Vedas in this manner, they were known as rigvedi (an expert on the Rig Veda with a deep knowledge of Rigveda Samhita and its related granthas).
- ^ Maharashtra, Land and Its People. Gazetteers Department, Government of Maharashtra. 2009. p. 45.
There are two sub-groups among Deshastha Brahmins, namely Rigvedi and Yajurvedi. The Yajurvedis have further two sub-sections-Shukla Yajurvedi and Krishna Yajurvedi. Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmins are the most ancient sub-caste of Maharashtra.
- ^ Kumar Suresh Singh (1998). India's Communities, Volume 6. Oxford University Press. p. 3316. ISBN 9780195633542.
Earlier, both the subgroups, Yajurvedi and Rigvedi practised endogamy but now intermarriages between the two take place.
- ^ The Economic Weekly, Volume 10. Economic Weekly. 1958. p. 129.
The Deshastha Rigvedl Brahmins as their name shOWs live in the Desha and follow a Rigvedic ritual. They are an extremely widespread
- ^ Maharashtra State Gazetteers: Greater Bombay District. (3 v.). Directorate of Government Print., Stationery and Publications, Maharashtra State. 1986. p. 628.
There are some Yajurvedi Brahmans also who follow the Madhyandin branch of Yajurveda.
- ^ Rigvedi Surname Distribution