The Myth of Daivajna Brahmins

By Deepak Shet. KRK, Mangalore [ Published Date: June 20, 2010 ]

An overview on the origin, migration and religious pursuits of daivajnya Brahmins

HISTORY

Daivajnya Brahmins (sonar's or goldsmith's), from the Sanskrit suvarnakar - worker in gold. They
are found all over the Deccan, Konkan, Karnataka and Kanara. It is a small community of not more
than 10 lakh, spread all over the nation, though sparsely.

It is a 'jaati' within a much larger Konkani speaking Daivajnya community, running into lakh's and
lakh's , still they proudly claim a galaxy of noteworthy individuals who have contributed richly to the
betterment of the global community.

According to the modern researchers, they claim that Brahmins aroused from the sacred region
between the river Saraswati and Drishdavati which came to be known as 'BRAMHAVARTHA'
(2450 B.C to 1900 B.C), where the great thinkers of the time came to be classified as Brahmins.
Thus among the Brahmin class the Daivajnya Brahmins uphold a unique culture and heritage which
aims at enlightening the future.

MAP SHOWING BRAMHAVARTHA

The daivajnya migration appears to have taken place sometime at the end of 3rd century B.C from
Punjab(Pancha Gouda Pradesh region). Now let us throw light on the concept of Pancha Gouda
Pradesh region.

PANCHA GOUDA AND PANCHA DRAVIDA CONCEPT: Advancing further, they entered
peninsular Bharata desha, south of Vindhya mountains. The Brahmin settlers from north of vindhyas,
were regarded as Gouda Brahmins and south of Vindhyas were regarded as Dravid Brahmins.
PANCHA GOUDA PRADESH ( North of vindhya mountains):

1. SARASWAT (The region of Sapta Saraswathi where seven rivers flowed Sindhu, Jhelum,
Chenab , Ravi, Beas, Saraswathi and Sutlej. It is the present Punjab, meaning the area watered by
five rivers, and Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and the present Jammu and Kashmir ,watered by rivers
Shatadru and Saraswati )
2. KANYAKUBJA (KanyaKubja, which covered parts of Rajasthan, Western Uttar Pradesh)
3. GOUDA (Kosala or Oudh now in Eastern U.P)
4. MITHILA (East of Gandak River now in Northern Bihar)
5. UTKALA (now Orissa)

PANCHA DRAVIDA PRADESH (South of Vindya Mountains):

They are Telanga (Andhra), Dravida (Tamilnadu and Kerala) , Karnataka , Maharashtraka
(Maharashtra), Gurjara (Gujrat). The legendary figure Parashurama was the cause of eliminating the
Kshatriya as a rebellion towards the sinful act of killing sage Jamadagni, father of Parashurama, by
king Karthaviryarjuna. Parashurama gifted the land captured by him to sage Kashyapa. It came to be
known as Kashyapmar, and later came to be known as Kashmir.

Kashmir should not be seen in terms of the present day political borders. It was a larger area that
included Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The river Saraswathi and Drishdavati flowed
through the present day political areas of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan,
Rann of Kutch and Sourashtra.

According to Sahyadri Khanda of Skanda Purana, the Brahmin hero, who is considered as the
incarnation of Lord Vishnu, reclaimed the land west of Sahyadri hills and the west coast, which came
to be known as Sapta Konkan and also as apparent (meaning the land along the west coast). Gomant
was a part and heart of Sapta Konkan.

Daivajnya Brahmins have their origin from Punjab. About 4000 year's during the Rig Vedic period at
today's Punjab-Haryana region, at this holy land the Suryavanshi Aryans were performing the
Yajnya's. Due to the social reasons mainly economical, to a large degree political and to some extent
religious causes migrations are invariable and the consequences of economic calamities like famine
which afflicted Kashmir almost continuously from the 9th century to the 12th century. In every
century from the 9th onwards there occurred in Kashmir such catastrophic famines that they almost
destroyed the country's economy and it's maladministration did little to mitigate the sufferings of the
people, they moved forward southward following the river Saraswathi which was flowing southward.
After passing Rajasthan they reached the coastal area of Sourashtra where the river Saraswathi
plunged into the Arabian sea, called 'Prabhas Kshetra', near Dwarka. These Aryans settled here for a
long period and continued their simple life after performing the Yajnya's.

Among these Aryans there were some different groups those were performing certain different ritual
deeds. Some were experts in "Jyothishya Shastra" (Astrology) which was one of the six Vedanthas.
These experts were called 'Daivajnya', one who knows "Daiva" (god of fate) that means 'Jyothishya
Shastrajnya' (Astrologer). Later on they were called Daivajnya Brahmins in course of time in the
olden days .While performing the Yajnya's, the role of Daivajnya Brahmins was very important.
They were fixing the holy Muhurthas to perform the Yajnya's and purify the gold and silver to drop
into the Yajnya as the "HAVIS "

After 6th century B.C, as the result of the popularity of the Buddhism ,the value of Yajnya-Yaga
declined. During the period of the great king Ashoka (3rd century B.C) the royal patronage was lost
to the performance of Yajnya-Yaga, as the result of this social and religious change. The Daivajnya
Brahmin Suryavanshi Aryans who were settled in Saurashtra and spread until Ujjaini , gradually left
off the performance of Yajnya-Yaga and started the gold-smithy and jewellery trade for their
livelihood. At this period they have developed the Prakrith language which was derived from
Sanskrit. Later on at the period of "Apabrhrinsh" languages, they gave birth to "KONKANI"
language. While in Saurashtra, the Saraswath Brahmins were their counterparts on this regard.

During the period of the Gupta dynasty there was a great astrologer in the court of Chandragupta 2
(Vikramaditya) named "Varahamihira", who had written a book on Phala Jyothishya named
"Daivajnya Vallabha" in Sanskrit language. This is the only one ancient book that is available today
with the word "DAIVAJNYA" which means astrologer. This proves that during the period of
Varahamihira at the part of Ujjaini and surrounding places, Daivajnya Brahmins were respected as
the experts in astrology.

Probably after 6th century onwards due to some uncertain reasons (eg. earthquake, foreigner's
invasion, drought) the Daivajnya Brahmins and their counter parts Saraswath Brahmins migrated to
the southward again after crossing the river Narmada and tapti. Moving across the coast of
Maharashtra , finally they settled down in Goa, the peaceful and beautiful land of the western coast
.During the period of 7th or 8th century these Aryan Brahmins came to Goa and settled down
permanently.
THE KINGDOMS THAT RULED OVER GOA AT DIFFERENT TIMES:

550 to 753 A.D, the Kadamba dynasty were over powered by Chalukya Kirthivarma 1 and
compelled them to be his Mandalikas. Mauryas were overdrown by western Chalukya Kirthivarma 1,
and their capital Gharapuri destroyed by his grandson Pulikeshi 2. He ruled from Badami as his
capital.

753 to 973 A.D, Rashtrakuta Dantidurga overthrew Kirthivarma 2.

973 to 1183 A.D, Chalukya Talipa deposed the last of the Rashtrakuta king Kakkala.

1004 to 1346 A.D,Hoysala of dwarasamudra. This dynasty was found in 1004 A.D. Viraballala 2
took over Chalukya territory in 1183 A.D and established suzerainty over Goa.

7650-1008 A.D Shilahara dynasty ruled south Konkan as Mandalika to Rashtra Kootas with
Vallipattan or Vallipura (Balli) as the capital.

974 to 1312 A.D Kadambas of Banavasi ruled part of the territory of Goa from chandrapura as
capital. After the fall of kadambas of banawasi, a branch of the families of Kadambas continued to
rule from Chandrapura, who came to be known as Kadambas of Goa.

1005 -1050 A.D later, Shastadeva 2 conquered north and south Konkan from Shilaharas. He was the
Mahamandaleshwara of Chalukya of Badami. (1050-1080 A.D) Jayakeshi 1 made Gopakapattana the
capital. Commerce in Gopakapattana flourished in Gomantak during his period.

INFLUENCE OF DWAITHA SIDDHANTA:

Madhwacharya (Ananda tirtha, 1238-1318),Shishya of Achyutapreksha and propagated Dwaitha

Siddhantha . He initiated 8 desciples at Kanwa Tirtha, near Manjeshwar , who subsequently became
the Asthamathadipati's of Udupi

A little later he is said to have stayed at Banavali near Mathagram (Madgaon).The Daivajnya
Brahmins may have taken to the new Dwaitha philosophy, having been impressed by the spiritual
prowess of Madhwacharya .
THE MUSLIM INVASION ( 1320 A.D -1351 A.D ):

The entire territory was lost to Muslims during the reign of Mohammed bin Tuglak. Malik kafur
marched to Deccan and overran Goa. He left a muslim governer ,Tubligh who remained in Goa for
two and half years, and returned to Delhi on the death of Alla-ud-din-khilji.

1357 A.D, Hasan Gangu Jafar Khan who founded Bahamani kingdom invaded Gomantak. His son
and successor, the cruel Ghazni Mohammed percecuted the Brahmins ,destroyed temples and caused
havoc in Gomantak.

1366 to 1469 A.D .VIJAYNAGAR EMPIRE:

With the help from the Vijaynagar ruler, Harihara 2 .Muslims were driven out of Gomantak by
Madhava Mantra, and Govapuri was annexed to Vijayanagar kingdom.

1469 to 1498 A.D MOHAMMEDEN RULE:

Gomantak was reconquered by Mohammed Gawan who was the minister and general of the 13th and
the last Sulthan, Mohammad shah of Bahamani kingdom .His rule was milder and tolerant
1498 to 1510 A.D ADIL SHAH RULED FROM BIJAPUR:

Yousuf adil shah became the independent ruler of Bijapur after the breaking of Bahamani kingdom
in 1489. He took possession of Goa in 1498 .Goa was administered by Yusuf Gurgi , a Turk ,who
was the favorite of adil shah .he mounted cruelties in Goa.

1510 A.D ONWARD'S PORTUGESE RULE:

The Daivajnya Brahmins sowed their Aryan culture -heritage and their spoken language -Konkani in
the land of Goa. Our ancestors earned lot and lead a peaceful and prosperous life by practicing
goldsmith occupation and jewellery trade business in Goa .After the 10th century, gradually they
spread their track business in neighboring states Karnataka , Maharashtra (Thana and Ratnagiri
districts ) and upto Kerala. They built a lot of temples of their Kuladevatha's in Goa and worshipped
the Gods. During the invasion by the Portugese of Goa in the 16th century, all the temples were
uprooted and destroyed. But only one temple, Sri Kalika devi,at Kasarpal (Biccholim district) is left
and still today it is under the management of Daivajnya Brahmins. This temple was built up at 14th
century by the Daivajnya Brahmins according to the old copper plate inscription.

As in 1510 A.D, the invasion of the Portugese started on Goa, resulted in uprooting the cultural
aspects of Hindu religion .More than 250 years the invaders terrorized and burnt alive the Hindus of
Goa and those who refused to receive the Christianity under the "Inquisition of tribunal law", the
persecution went on for a long period until the abolition of the "Inquisition of tribunal law" in 1774
A.D .In 1543 they completely established their rule in Sasashti. Portugese persecutions were
unprecedented. They destroyed over 200 temples. As the result of it, lot of Daivajnya Brahmins and
other Hindus left off Goa and got shelter in the neighboring states-Karnataka, Maharashtra and
Kerala in large number. They shifted their idols of Kuladevatha, to safer places, such as Kawale
,Shiroda ,Mardhol ,Priyole and Bandiwade, which places were under the rule of Sonde kingdom .
In the book "jose nicolau da fonseca's sketch of the city of Goa" describes the height of cruelties by
Portuguese in Goa. As thus:

1. In the year 1560 A.C. The Jesuits proceeded to evangelize in the province of Salsette, which
became thence forward the chief field of their labours , the village of cortalim being the first to
witness the celebration of mass by them . The conversion of the inhabitants of this province was
indeed very rapid, hundred's and thousands of them being baptized almost every year. Owing to this,
several churches were erected on the ruins of Hindu temples, 280 of which are said to have been
razed to the ground in 1567 (p.65)

2. Also the ruins of 200 idol Temples which Viceroy de noronha totally demolished , that no memory
might remain of monuments of such gross idolatry (p.154)

3. There was also Jews , who had their own synagogues and their own mode of worship , but the
Hindus were not allowed the public exercise of their religion (p.155)

CURRENT SITE OF SOME OF THE TEMPLES ORIGINAL TEMPLE SITE

Shree Shantadurga temple at Kavelem Keloshi
Shree Kamakshi temple at Shiroda Rai or Rayathur
Shree Mahalasa Narayani temple at Mardhol Verna (Varenya)
Shree Ramnath temple at Bandode Loutulim
Shree Mahalakshmi temple at Bandode Colva
Shree Vimleshwar temple at Revona It remains at it s original place
Shree Ravalnath temple at Marshel Bandiwade.

1480 -1600 A.D SHREE VADIRAJA SWAMIJI OF SODE MUTT:

More than 500 years ago, a devotee from the Daivajnya Brahmin community was casting an idol of
Lord Ganapathi, surprisingly it shaped itself in the image of Lord Hayagreeva. Sarvabhowma Sri
Vadiraja Guru Swamiji had a dream about this legend which inspired him to approach that devotee
and take the idol from him in reverence. He then installed it in Shri Sode Vadiraja Mutt. Since then it
is being worshipped there as the god of origin of Daivajnya Brahmin community.
To this day, the members of the community who were instructed in Dwaitha philosophy and received
into the fold as special Shishyas by Sri Vadiraja Teertha continue to make offerings to the mutt and
Lord Hayagriva. They continue to be recipients of the blessings, love and affection of Sri Vadiraja
Teertha.

Thus Daivajnya Brahmins follow Vaishnav Sampradaya in Sandyavandana and Shodash Sanskar by
applying the sacred Gopichandana with great divine authority and also the shankha, Chakra , Gadha,
Padma and Narayana Mudra of Madhwa's Dwaitha fold.

Daivajnya Brahmins and vaishnavism

Daivajnya Brahmins are claimed as "SURYA VANSHI ARYA BRAHMAN'S", as Lord Surya is one
of the forms of Lord Vishnu, it is rightly said that Daivajnya Brahmins belong to the Vaishnav cult.

With regard to the Gokarna case, fought in 1927, The Smarth Brahmin's of Gokarna with a view that
the Daivajnya Brahmins would take over the Puja authority at Gokarna ,filed a case against the
Daivajnya Brahmins at Kumta court (22.10.1927). The case from Kumta court reached Karwar
,Bombay high court and has proved that Daivajnya Brahmins belong to the Vaishnava Brahmin cult .
The then Bombay census chief Mr. Drew has recorded the Daivajnya Brahmins as top class
Brahmins.

In the book "VISHWA BRAHMANA KULOTHSAHA" or "VISHWA BRAHMANARA

ITHIHASA" has recorded thus,

"7. The order of census department of 1981: 3. Mr. drew, superintend of the census of Bombay has
ordered that the Daivajnya should write as Daivajnya Brahmins in the census, return accordingly,
they are reported in the Brahmin class in 1891."
In the statement at the Gokarna case, the 33rd pontiff Shri Vishwadeesha Theertha of Sri Sode
Vadiraja Mutt has described Daivajnya Brahmins as ''Mukhamasita Surya Vanshi Brahmins''.

33rd pontiff Shri Vishwadeesha Theertha of Sri Sode Vadiraja Mutt

At Hosakeri village near Gokarna, the pontiff of Sode Mutt use to halt at the residence of Burde who
was the village Patel (chieftain) of Hosakeri. With reference, the proof of the letter written by the
pontiff is as follows:

||Shree Swasthi Srimad Udupi Sri Sonde Mutt Sri Vadiraja Guru Peetharoodha Srimad
Vishwadheesha Thirtha Padangalauru ||.

Warm wishes to the Midaje Sime Gokarna shetgar Sanu,Mahabal shetti, Budhiwantha Subraya shetti
,Adigona shettigar ,Ram shetti, Durga shetti ,Shamanna shetti , Hosakeri Sham Appu shetti, Krishna
Subraya shetti. We are at the Admanandana Samvatsara Vaishaka Shudha and under penance,
deeply busy with the Puja of Srimad Vadiraja, Shri Krishna, Sri Boovaraha ,Sri Hayagreeva and at
the residence of shri Burde at Hosakeri. In respect, this is to inform you that you are Mukhamasitha
Daivajnya Suvarnakar Surya Brahmin, and attain the right of performing Yajna Karma and
Shatkarma rituals . We may able to make you satisfy by giving records of your existence in the
Rigveda Purusha sukta ,Agni purana ,Skanda Purana, Manu Smrithi ,and Dharma Shastra etc. -
Daivajna vedamurthi Narayana Shanker Bhatta Guddekagal taluk ,Kumta.

The above letter of proof is recorded in the historic book "vishwa brahmanara kulothsaha" authored
by Brahmasri. B.R. Kshirasagara edition 6, page 139.

In the book "Castes And Tribes Of Southern India" authored by Edgar Thrustan has recorded as:
"SONAR: The Sonar or Sonegar's of south as a gold smith caste, who speak Konkani, which is a
dialect of Marathi, and are believed to have come from Goa, the community at each station has one
or two Mukhtesars or headmen, who enquire into, and settle the caste affairs. Serious offences are
reported to the Swamy of Sonde, who has authority to excommunicate or to inflict heavy fines. They
wear the sacred thread. Marriages within the same Gothras are strictly prohibited .Most of them are
Vaishnavities, but a few follow Shiva."

In the book namely "Uttar Kannada District Gazetter" edited by Suryanath Kamath record thus:

"SONAR: the Sonar or Sonegar's are originally from Goa . They call themselves as Daivajnya
brahmin's or Suvarnakar's. They worship Hayagreeva of Sonda and belong to Madhwa Sampradaya.
They are followers of vadiraja matha of sonda".
In the book "Gazeteer Of The Bombay Presidency"-Kanara District, 1883, volume 15, part 1 records
thus:

"SONAR or GOLDSMITH'S: Numbering 10,158, of whom 5020 are males and 5138 females, are
found in small numbers in almost all towns and large villages. They are said to have come from Goa
on its conquest by the Portuguese in 1510.They call themselves Daivajnya Brahmins or astrologers
from the Sanskrit 'Daiv' fate and 'Jnya' to know . They are said to belong to the Vatsa, Kaundanya,
Vishwamitra, Bharadhwaj, and Kaushik Gotras or family stocks. They are middle-sized, fair and
delicate, and speak a some what peculiar Konkani, using 'z' instead of 'j'. Both men and women dress
like 'Konkanasth Brahmans'. Their family gods and goddess are Mahalsa ,Shantadurga of Kavle,
whose original temple is at Madadol ,they also worship the ordinary Brahman and village deities and
keep local holidays . They are Vaishnavas and have as their teacher Sri Vadiraj Swami, the head of
the Vaishnav Monastry of Udupi in South Kanara. They pay him large sums which are Gurukanike
or presents to the teacher, and in return have their breasts and shoulders marked with hot metal seals
bearing Vishnus the Shankha or conch, the Chakra or disc, the Gada or mace and Padma or lotus.
Their boys are gift with the sacred thread between eight and twelve and their girls are married before
ten. In Goa and Karwar they have family priests or Purohits of their own caste, in other places they
employ Havik or Karhada Brahmins and show them much reverence"

In the book "TRIBES AND CASTE OF BOMBAY" volume 3, page 338-344, edited by R.E.
Enthoven:

"SONAR'S: Religion: Sonar's are followers both of the Vaishnava and Smartha sects. Those in
Kanara are exclusively Vaishnavas of the Madhwa School. They worship all the ordinary gods and
goddesses. Those who claim Brahmin rank observe the Brahmin Sanskars. In some places, notably in
Bombay, they have priests of their own caste, but many employ local Brahmans also the Kanara
Sonars have three temples of their own at which Sunkeri and Kadwad , ministrants at which are
Sonars . The spiritual head of the Kanara Sonars is the Swamy of Sonda, one of the eight Mathas of
Udupi".

In the book entitled "SRI VADIRAJA CHARITRE" more details are given which conclusively
established that at no time the Daivajnya Brahmins had any mutt of their own nor a Mathadipathi of
Swamier of Sode Mutt, Udupi and none else had any authority either to guide the members of
Daivajnya Brahmin community in spiritual and religious matters, the principal idol of worship of His
Holiness Sode mutt Swamier was given by a member of Daivajnya Brahmins, centuries back.

Even today the Daivajnya Brahmins follow the Vaishnav Sampradaya in their Sandhyavandana. At
Goa, there are the principal deities of Daivajnya Brahmins which are of Shiva and Shakti cult, truly
Shiva is one of the different forms of Vishnu and the Vishnu Purusha Roopa is in the form of a
Linga, which is a historic fact in the Purana's (Epic's) .

1480 -1600 A.D SHREE VADIRAJA SWAMIJI OF SODE MUTT:

More than 500 years ago, a devotee from the Daivajnya Brahmin community was casting an idol of
Lord Ganapathi ,surprisingly it shaped itself in the image of Lord Hayagreeva. Sarvabhowma Sri
Vadiraja Guru Swamiji had a dream about this legand which inspired him to approach that devotee
and take the idol from him in reverence. He then installed it in Shri Sode Vadiraja Mutt. Since then it
is being worshipped there as the god of origin of Daivajnya Brahmin community.

To this day, the members of the community who were instructed in Dwaitha philosophy and received
into the fold as special Shishyas by Sri Vadiraja Teertha continue to make offerings to the mutt and
Lord Hayagriva. They continue to be recipients of the blessings, love and affection of Sri Vadiraja
Teertha.

Thus Daivajnya Brahmins follow Vaishnav Sampradaya in Sandyavandana and Shodash Sanskar by
applying the sacred Gopichandana with great divine authority and also the shankha, Chakra , Gadha,
Padma and Narayana Mudra of Madhwa's Dwaitha fold.

Distinction between Daivajnya Brahmins and Vishwakarma Brahmins:

SRI VISHWAKARMA- THE ORIGINATOR OF VISWAKARMA BRAHMINS AND NOT

DAIVAJNYA BRAHMINS

Daivajnya Brahmins belong to the Suryavanshi Aryan race and are totally different from
Vishwakarma Brahmins in terms of their culture, language, and heritage and in different aspects.

Since the beginning of the 20th century a misconception has been spread that Daivajnya Brahmins
are originally belonged to the Vishwakarma Brahmins class and they are derived by
"VISHWAJNYA" who is one of the five sons of the god Vishwakarma. But this is an entirely wrong
and baseless conception. Daivajnya Brahmins and Vishwakarma Brahmins belonged to different
races, which have belonged to the Vedic period. Daivajnya Brahmins purely belong to the
Suryavanshi Aryan race that performed the yajnas and other ritual duties at the period of Rig-Veda,
on the banks of the rivers Saraswati-Drishdawati which was called "Bramhavartha", at the region of
Punjab and Haryana of today and in the course of time some of those Aryans migrated to southward
after following the river Saraswathi.

Of course, there is no doubt that Vishwakarma Brahmins also belonged to the Vedic period and they
have their own heritage and culture of the ancient period. There is lot of descriptions of Virata
Swaroopa (Mammoth feature) of the god Vishwakarma in the sacred books; rigveda, Nagarakhanda,
Skanda purana, Matsya purana and in the epic Mahabharatha. In Taitiriya Shruthi Pancha
Brahmopanishad regarding the Virata Swaroopa of the god Vishwakarma is like this
"Vishwakarmana Vrittadhani/ Teneivana Pratishthani /Panchamukhebhyah Panchashirsho MANU
Prathamah/MAYO Dwitiyah, TRISHTA Tritiyah, SHILPI Chaturthah,VISHWAJNA Panchamah/ iti
severko vidhiyate/ Sanagaha, Sanatanobhoonah Pratnah, Suparna Shchetyate Sarve Gotra Purushah
Prakriteshtadyadya". Meaning: "Among the five faces of the lord Vishwakarma, MANU, who has
come out by the first face, he was followed by MAYA, who has come out through the second face,
then TWASHTA, who has come out by the third face, SHILPI, who has come out by the fourth face
and lastly VISHWAJNYA has come out. These are known as five MOOLA PURUSHAS of five arts
respectively on iron, wood, bronze, stone carving and gold. They also started the five gotras among
the followers of Vishwakarma viz. Sanaga (MANU), Sanathana (MAYA), Ahabhoona
(TWASHTA), Pratna (SHILPI), and Suparna (VISHWAJNA).
13th shlokha, fifth chapter of Nagarkhandha of the Skandapurana says - "Manurmayaschatwashta
cha Shilpi Vishwajna Evacha Panchatai Devarushyo Vishwakarma Mukhodbhava". Meaning:
MANU, MAYA, TWASHTA, SHILPI and VISHWAJNA these five saints were derived by the faces
of the lord Vishwakarma".

The 48th Shlokha of "Sri Vishwakarmanvya Pradeepika",written by Varaha Narasimhacharya says:

"Ayasi cha mano kashti mayasya khalu kanaski. Twashta shaili Shilpino vai Vishwajna sya tu
Kanchani".

Meaning: MANU relates to the iron work, MAYA for the wooden work, TWASHTA for the bronze,
SHILPI for the stone carving and VISHWAJNA for the gold work.

With the reference of the old Sanskrit literature there is no use of the word "Daivajnya" instead of
Vishwajnya as the alternative .but since the beginning of the 20th century some of the writers have
used the "Daivajnya" word as the alternative word for 'Vishwajnya' on their own accord . This wrong
conception has been continued and developed that 'Daivajnya' and 'Vishwajnya' are the alternative
words which come under the Vishwakarma culture. "Daivajnya" is purely independent word which
was used for the Suryavanshi Aryans of Vedic culture who were performing the yajnas and other
ritual duties concerned to the Jyothishya Shastra (Astrology) which is one of the six Vedangas .
"Daivajnya" means one who knows the "DAIVA" ('FATE' or GOD OF FORTUNE) that is "VIDHI".

Since the days of the Vedas, Shruthi and Sutra Vishwakarma Brahmins are known as RATHAKARA
or PANCHALA Brahmins who do the works with gold, iron, bronze, wood and stone . Since the
olden days they have been respected Brahmins for these five arts. In constructing the temples,
preparing the idols, and Vidhi-mantras of the Pratishtapana of the idols they play the sacred role. The
words 'RATHAKARA' or 'PANCHALA', do not apply to the Daivajnya Brahmins. Beside all these
things Vishwakarma Brahmins have their own sacred mutt's and Guru-Peetha's since many centuries.
But Daivajnya Brahmins are not followers of these mutt's. In the beginning of the 12th century a
great miracle person named, MURUJAVI CHIKKESHWARASWAMI took birth in vishwakarma
family and led them in spiritual way. Even today Vishwakarma Brahmins are worshipping him as
their Jagadguru. But Daivajnya Brahmins are not followers of him. Since the old on day as
Vishwakarma Brahmins have been influenced by the KALAMUKHA Sampradaya . Of course
Daivajnya Brahmins have never been influenced by the Kalamukha Sampradaya.

The tradition of Gothras is different among Daivajnya Brahmins and Vishwakarma Brahmins.
Daivajnya Brahmins are followers of 'Sapta Rishi Gothras'(Seven Sages)among them Atri,
Vashishta, Kashyapa, Gauthama, Bharadwaj, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni and Agasthya , these are the
eight main Gotra Pravaras. Beside of these there are additional Gothra Pravartakas. But among
Vishwakarma Brahmins Sanaga , Sanathana, Ahabhuna, Pratna, Suparna these five are main Gotras .
Among them also some additional Gothra Pravaras are present.

Since 5th century A.D, Daivajnya Brahmins have been using Konkani language as their spoken
language which was derived by Prakrith Apabhransha language developed by Sanskrit language. But
Konkani is not spoken language among the vishwakarma Brahmins. They speak the regional
languages wherever they have been settled down. E.g. those are in Maharashtra use Marathi, in
Andra Pradesh use Telegu, in Karnataka use kannada, in Tamilnadu use Tamil like so this matter of
mother tongue also helps us to justify the social and cultural differences between the two classes.

As the Daivajnya Brahmin migrated from Saurashtra and finally settled down in Goa- western coast
permanently in 7th-8th century, they continued their gold and silver smithy occupation for their
livelihood and lead the peaceful and prosperous life in Goa till the invasion of Portuguese in 1510
A.D. According to their Vedic culture and heritage they established the temples of lord Vishnu,
Shiva, Durga devi (Shakti devi Kalika devi) and Nagadevatha (God of serpent). Daivajnya
Brahmins of the different Gotras began to worship different of these gods as their Kuladevathas
(family deities). According to the name of the place of the particular Kuladevatha, the Kulavi
(follower) began to use the name of that place as the surname (family name) after adding "Kar"
,suffix ,viz, those were dwelled in "Verna"-"Vernekar" those were dwelled in "Rai" village "Raikar",
those were at "Revana" village "Revankar" like so "Shet" (Apabrhransha word of Sanskrit
SRESHTA) is common surname for Daivajnya Brahmins which was started while they were in
Saurashtra . For the class those are practicing the ritual deeds they use the word, BHAT as the
surname. But among the Vishwakarma Brahmins there are different surnames as Acharya, Dixit,
Mahamuni, Ksheerasagar, Vedapathak, Advani, Stapathi etc. "Acharya" is the common surname
among them.

There is no either matrimonial or cultural relationship between these two races. Even there are some
differences in ritual activities of the both. Vishwakarma Brahmins believe the fifth Veda
PRANAVA VEDA but Daivajnya Brahmins do not. Vishwakarma Brahmins have been worshipping
the Kalika devi as their main deity but Daivajnya Brahmins have been worshipping the lord Vishnu
(Laxmi narayan) , Sri Hayagreeva diety of Sode Vadiraj Mutt, Shiva, Durga Shakti devi, Kalika
devi, Nagadevatha as their sacred gods since age long.

With these all references we can prove that these both races are basically belonged to the different
races. There is no evidence which can prove any type of inter relationship between these two races
except gold smithy occupation. Among the vishwakarma Brahmins the decedents of VISHWAJNYA
are practicing the gold smithy on their own accord and heritage. Daivajnya Brahmins are practicing
the gold smithy on their own heritage. This occupation of the both is not interrelated at any respect.
Hence further we have to get rid off all the misconceptions regarding this matter.