Ambalavasi

Ambalavasi, (Malayalam: അമ്പലവാസി; IAST:Ampalavāsi) lit. 'temple-dwelling', is a generic name for a group of castes among Hindus in Kerala, India, who render temple services. Some Ambalavasi castes are patrilineal, while the others are matrilineal. Those that practise matrilineality share many cultural similarities with the Nair caste. Their ritual rank in Hinduism lies below the Brahmin castes and above the Nairs.

Ambalavasi

Ambalavasi, (Malayalam: അമ്പലവാസി; IAST:Ampalavāsi) lit. 'temple-dwelling', is a generic name for a group of castes among Hindus in Kerala, India, who render temple services. Some Ambalavasi castes are patrilineal, while the others are matrilineal. Those that practise matrilineality share many cultural similarities with the Nair caste. Their ritual rank in Hinduism lies below the Brahmin castes and above the Nairs.