Semwal

Brahmin subcaste from Uttarakhand, India

Semwal

Classification| Brahmin
Religions| Hinduism
Languages| Garhwali
Country| India
Populated states| Uttarakhand
Related groups| Garhwali people

Semwal is one of the thirty-six subcastes of Sarola Brahmin from Uttarakhand.[1] They are the sole custodians and pandits of the Gangotri temple.[2]

## Etymology[edit]

The name "Semwal" originates from a place called Sem-Mukhem (Hindi:सेम-मुखेम) in Uttarakhand, abode to the shrine of Sem-Mukhem Nagraj (Hindi: सेममुखेम नागराज) often considered among the locals as the fifth shrine of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage of which the Semwals are permanent serving priests.[3][4] Apart from this, the name "Semwal" might also have originated from Sem village in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district.[5]

## References[edit]

1. ^ Saklani, Atul (1987). The History of a Himalayan Princely State: Change, Conflicts, and Awakening: an Interpretative History of Princely State of Tehri Garhwal, U.P., A.D. 1815 to 1949 A.D. Durga Publications. pp. not specified. OCLC 17918157.
2. ^ Doval, Pankaj (28 June 2013). "Cracks appear in Gangotri temple". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
3. ^ General, India Office of the Registrar (1962). "Census of India, 1961". Manager of Publications - via Google Books.
4. ^ Saklani, Atul (4 May 1987). "The History of a Himalayan Princely State: Change, Conflicts, and Awakening : an Interpretative History of Princely State of Tehri Garhwal, U.P., A.D. 1815 to 1949 A.D." Durga Publications - via Google Books.
5. ^ Gopal, Ram (June 2015). "A Brief Study Of Gastronomy Of Brahmins In Uttarakhand, India". Chitkara University. 2, Issue-10.