Iyengar or Ayyangar is a caste given to Hindu Brahmins of Tamil origin who follow the Visishtadvaita philosophy propounded by Sri Ramanujacharya. They are found mostly in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu but there are also in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Iyengar are divided into two different sub-sects and, as with other Brahmin communities, they are also classified based on their gotra, or patrilineal descent.
The original language of the Iyengar Brahmins is Tamil, but they also speak other languages, notably Telugu and Kannada. The Iyengar community trace their origin in Tamil Nadu from the period of Ramanuja.
Iyengars sport a namam (Thiruman+Srichurnam) as a caste-mark as opposed to Iyers who apply vibhuti, generally on their forehead.
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