Iyengars

Iyengars, also spelled Iyengar, are a Brahmin community of Tamil Vaishnavism who primarily belong to Tamil Nadu and the broader Tamil-speaking world. They follow Sri Vaishnavism, a tradition within Hinduism devoted to Vishnu. The name is linked to the honorific Iyya or Ayya, used for teachers and elders, plus a suffix indicating belonging.

Historically, Iyengars trace their lineage to Ramanuja and the Sri Vaishnava tradition (Vishishtadvaita). They emphasize devotion to Vishnu in his various forms and the Tamil devotional canon known as the Divya Prabandham, as well as Sanskrit scripture. The community has long been associated with temple life and scholarship, with major Vaishnava temples such as those in Srirangam serving as focal points.

Within Iyengars, two main sub-sects exist: Vadakalai ('northern tradition') and Thengalai ('southern tradition'). They differ in ritual emphasis and doctrinal focus, notably the priority given to Sanskrit Vedic scholarship in Vadakalai and to Tamil liturgy and temple customs in Thengalai.

Social roles: Many Iyengars are temple priests, scholars, teachers, and professionals; household rites include daily puja, recitation of the Divya Prabandham, and initiations; weddings and life rites follow Srivaishnava rites supervised by elders; they maintain family temples and patronize temple festivals.

Language and culture: Tamil and Sanskrit are used in liturgy; Iyengar scholarship contributed to literature, philosophy, and music; they have preserved a distinct temple and household culture, and many Iyengars have participated in education and public life.

Distribution and modern presence: While concentrated in Tamil Nadu, Iyengars have diaspora communities across India and abroad; in modern times they participate in business, academia, and public service while maintaining Vaishnava practices and temple leadership.