 |
The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject. Please help improve the article with a good introductory style. (October 2009) |
 Srinivasa Ramanujan · |
| Regions with significant populations |
|---|
| Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh |
| Languages |
| Religion |
| Related ethnic groups |
Thenkalai (Tamil: தென்கலை, Sanskrit DakshiNa-kalārya) , or the Southern branch, form a subsect of the Iyengar community of Tamil Brahmins, the other being Vadakalai. Therkku in the Tamil language language means South. When a number of temples were constructed in and around places like Thanjavur, Kumbakkonam and Srirangam amongst others, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a number of Brahmins migrated to these temple towns. Brahmins (as in Iyengars) who worshipped Lord Vishnu and migrated to these temple towns from the South of India were consequently called Thenkalai Iyengars or Iyengars from the South. Thenkalai iyengars follow Manavala Mamunigal.
Contents |
The main difference lies in doctrine i.e. the relation of divine grace to human response. Thenkalais are more adept in the Tamil language while the Vadakalais emphasize the importance of sanskrit language in performing almost all religious duties. For philosophical differences with the Vadakalai tradition, please see Vishishtadvaita#Thenkalai_and_Vadakalai_schools_of_thought.
Most people only see the difference between the two groups of Sri Vaisnavas in terms of the application of the tilaka marks. Thenkalais form their tilaka mark in the form of a "Y", while the Vadakalais sport the "U" naamam.
Thenkalai iyengars follow Manavala Mamunigal and Sri Ramanuja while Vadakalai Iyengars follow Vedantadesika and Sri Ramanuja.
List of people of Thenkalai Iyengar descent
- Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887-1920), Indian mathematician, of patrilineal Thenkalai descent.[1]
See also
References
External links
 |
This article about an Indian ethnicity or social group is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
