Padye


Padhye Brahmin community hails from Goa, commonly known as "Bhatt", they speak a unique dialect of Konkani known as "Bhati Bhasha".

Early history

The reference to Padye Brahmins is found in the section of Karahastrabrahmanotpatti of Sahyadrikhanda. It is commonly believed that Padye Brahmins are not different from the Karhades and are a section of Karhade Brahmins. However, even now Padye Brahmins have retained their identity. There is an opinion that the Padhye Brahmins have come from Sumer.The basis of this theory and the sources are not known.

Origin of the word ''Padye''

The name Padye is supposed to have its origin in the Sumerian word Patesi. But it can be also concluded that 'Padhye' or 'Padye' is a corrupted form of the Sanskrit word 'Upadhyay' which means a 'teacher'.

Later history

With due course of time, they seem to have undergone thorough Sanskritisation and have been included into Brahminic fourfold system and attained status that of a Brahmin.
The Padyes from Goa and are believed to have migrated to Maharashtra, then returned to Goa a few centuries later. It is believed that the name Karhade comes from the place Karhatak in Maharashtra, where they lived. The Shiledars of Kolhapur conquered south Konkan and got these priests with them back to Goa.

Mythological origins

as well as Brahmanda Purana are very harsh towards these Brahmins and it is mentioned that they descended from the bones of camel and hence designated as Karhades.

Later Brahminic classification

Padhyes later were included in to the Pancha Dravida group of Brahmins and are now commonly considered a sub-caste of the Karhade Brahmin community, though not historically. They are essentially Rigvedi Brahmins and follow the Ashwalayana Sutra. Padhyes belong to 13 Gotras and are predominantly Smarthas and worship different aspects of Shakti and Shiva.

Kuldevatas

Padhyes worship following deities as their Kuldevta