Nagars are believed to be one of the oldest of the Brahmin groups.Historians claim the origin of Nagars to be purely Aryan, having come to India from Southern Europe and Central Asia. They migrated through the Hindu Kush to either Trivishtapa or Tibet; later through Kashmir and settled around Kurukshetra. Current research speculates the Aryan origin to be Hatak, where the predominant deity is Hatak, Hatkesh or Hatkeshwar. According to the Skandapurana, the land of Hatkeshwar was a gift from Lord Shiva for the Nagars to colonize. This after Lord Shiva created Nagars to celebrate his marriage to Uma.
Legend has it, this land (along with money) was awarded to the Nagars by King Chamatkar of Anarta for having saved his life. According to the story, the King was out on a hunt when he killed a deer suckling her young. The deer placed a curse on the King. As a result of the curse, the King developed leukoderma. In the area, lived a small village of Brahmins, who, with the use of herbs, cured the King of his illness. King Chamatkar was thankful and offered them, as a reward, money and land. The Brahmins were men of high principle and believed in austere living; they refused the Kings offerings. The queen then went to the village and spoke with the wives of the Brahmin. She persuaded 68 of the 72 into accepting the offer. The four who refused, left the village for the Himalayas with their family. Those who remained are called the founders of the Nagar family descendant identity or “Gotra”.
Another version of the legend claims the King of Anarta rebuilt an abandoned city, Chamatkarpur, and consecrated a temple to Hatkeshwar to show his gratitude to the Brahmins.
Through the years, and many name changes, the town is currently known as Vadnagar. The inhabitants of the city were known as Nagars.
As time passed, the city of Vadnagar was invaded on more than one occasion. Nagars sought refuge in the nearby areas of Saurashtra and Rajasthan. During this time, they did their best to observe and preserve the code, to guard their identity.
After King Vishaldev conquered Gujarat (around A.C.E. 1040), the King of Ajmer established the cities of Vishnagar (formerly Vishalnagar), Chitrod (or Chitakutpati), Prashnipur, Krashnor, and Sathod (or Shatpad). He offered these cities to the Brahmins who were descendants or an offshoot of the Nagars from Vadnagar.
Nagar History FAQ
What is “Shree Hatkesh Jyanti”?
Lord Shiva (that is Shree Hatkesh) is the infinite God which does not have any origin or end. There is no Shiva Jayanti (Birthday). We don’t
celebrate Shiv Jayanti, but it’s Hatkeshwar Patotsav (abbreviation of
pragotsav). Meaning by On very Day Lord Shiv showed Darshana to Nagars In Vadnagar for their rescue.
Why are we called NAGARS ?
It is a community that stands at the NOSE tip in worship of lord shiva
known as “NAKAR” – which is known as “NAGAR” in the years that followed.
Another theory that i appreciate a lot is that when Alexander came to India he entered through Kashmir and while returning many of his soldiers settled back in Kashmir. They married bharmin kanyas of kashmiri pandits and the progeny that evolved was known as Nagars. I support this theory a lot as Greeks and Nagars show some great similarities such as intelligence and physical appearance. We NAGARS are more better looking than any other communities of Bhramins.NAGARE VASTI ITI NAGARA, meaning those who stay in civilized places (City or Nagar) are Nagars! A statement with a deep undertone which signifies that Nagars are those who live life in a civilized manner. More out of actions a Nagar than out of Birth.
What is the difference between NAGARS and Nagar Bhrahims ? Nagars are gruhasth and not doing any religeoius procedures commercially.
Nagar brahmins are the persons who perform all the religeous procedures of Nagara. They can receive Daxina.
Who determined the various sub caste such as Vadanagara,
Visnagara,Sathodara, Prashnora etc ?
As time passed these evolved progeny migrated to different parts of
India like Rajasthan, M.P. Punjab and Gujarat and so they are named after the place they migrated like.. Vadnagar, Visnagar, etc.
What made NAGARS superior than other castes in INDA and USA ?
Nagars means civilised. Since a very ancient time nagars are used to have
education. In their genes they have good adminitration, good language, civilisation. All these made Nagars more different then others. And this is the reason that in time of Kings, the kings were used to appoint
thier advisors, administrators from nagar caste.
Being a cross-breed of Kshatriya(Greek soldiers) and Brahmin(Kashmiri
Bhramin Kanyas) NAGARS are said to be of superior quality than other
bhramins both ways viz. physical and mental evolution. So we as NAGARS are considered more superior than other bhramin castes. Every person has different views and perspective regarding this matter. But
thinking logically this theory explains every thing about evolution of NAGARS. If someone believe some other theory is right and can explain it logically his/her views are always welcomed. This being a very
debatable topic and very close to every NAGAR.
Meaning and Origin of your surname
Antani
Ant = End
Ani = Less
Which literally translates to EndLess. Can say Endless source of knowledge, Wisdom.
We are Descendants of Anant ji maharaj. so the Surname first was Anantani but then gradually changed to Antani