| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | |
| Languages | |
| Brahmin Tamil | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Iyer,Tamil people |
Ashtasahasram is a sub-sect of theIyer community ofTamil Brahmins from theIndian state ofTamil Nadu.
The Ashtasahasrams as Iyers belong to theSmarta (Shaivite) tradition, along with theVadamas,Brahacharanams, Vadyamans/Madhyamans, and the Kanials/Kaniyalars. However, the Ashtasahasrams are smaller in numbers and are considered inferior to the first two Brahmin groups.[1]
The Ashtasahasrams follow theTaittirīya śākhā of theKr̥ṣṇa Yajurveda.[2]
They are Aparaśikhā Brahmins, who wear their traditional hair tuft towards the back of their head.[3]
The Ashtasahasram community is further sub-divided into four groups:[4]