Description:
Dharamanis are a caste of Hindu Brahmins, traditionally believed to have originated in the Indian state of Karnataka. They are believed to have descended from the sage Bharadwaja, and are thus part of the larger Saraswat Brahmin community. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘dharman’, meaning ‘law’ or ‘duty’. The Dharamanis are traditionally a priestly and scholarly community, and are known for their religious observances and devotion to the Vedas. They are also noted for their knowledge of the Vedic scriptures, Vedic rituals, and Vedic philosophy. The Dharamanis are found mainly in the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra in India, as well as in some parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. They are also found in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries. The Dharamanis are divided into several sub-castes and clans, each with its own distinct customs and traditions. These include the Gowda, Halepa, Kulkarni, and Marathe sub-castes. Variations of the Dharamani surname include Dharmamani, Dharmaraju, Dharmarajan, Dharmaraju, and Dharmarajan.
