Gowda - Gotras

Gotras

Further information: Gotravali of Goud Saraswat Brahmins

The origin The gotra system is part of a system of classification or identification of various Brahmin families in ancient times. The gotra classification took form probably sometime during the Yajur Veda period, after the Rig Veda period. It is believed that the gotras (now account to a total of 49) started to consolidate some around 10-8 Century B.C. The present day gotra classification is created from a core of 8 rishis (The Saptha rishis + Agastya). The Seven rishis are Gautama, Bhardwaja, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Vasistha, Kashyapa and Atri. Seven Rishis (Saptarshi) are recognized as the mind born sons of the creator Brahma. They desired offspring and received it. All present day Brahmin communities are said to be descendants of these 8 Rishis.

Over the years the number of gotras incresed due to:
• Descendents of these Rishis also started new family lineage or new gotras (Kaundinya was a descendent of Vasihta, Vishwamitra was a descendent of Kaushika and Vatsa was a descendent of JAMADAGNI MAHARSHI .)
• By inter marriage with other Brahmins
• Inspired by a saint whose name they bear as their own Gotra.
• New groups like Kshatriyas (who were also makers of hymns) were taken into fold by some Rishis
The lines of descent from the major rishis are originally divided into Ganas and each Gana is further divided into families. However, subsequently the term gotra is frequently applied to the ganas and to the families within the ganas interchangeably. These Rishis belonged to different sects like Shakti, Shavites and Vishnavites and had different deities for worship. Such deities came to be known as the Kuladevatas. Gotras of Gowda Saraswat Brahmins The gotras of GSBs is believed to be originated from the ten Rishis Bharadwaj, Kausika, Vatsa, Kaundinya, Kashyapa, Atri, Vashista, Jamadagni, Gautam and Vishwamitra (Kamshi)

Every GSB belongs to a particular gotra, similar to a "clan". The gotras are named for noted Hindu sages or rishis, thus the gotra's name indicates what sage its members pertain to. Marriage within the same gotra is prohibited, which may be a method to avoid inbreeding.

'Gowda (also Gauda or Gouda or Gowdru) is usually the title given to the head of the family or family group in the state of Karnataka, Tamilnadu in India. It is similar to Gounder or Kaoundar of Tamil Nadu. It not the name of a caste, but a title given to the leader or elder from any caste.