Ambalavasi in India

People Name:	Ambalavasi
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	188,000
World Population:	204,000
Primary Language:	Malayalam
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.30 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

They lived and worked near Hindu temples, so they are now called, Ambal meaning temple and vasi meaning inmate. Most consider them Brahmins though their roles are even more complex than the Brahmins. They have two groups, one who wears the sacred (Brahmin) thread and one that does not. Some Ambalavasi subgroups include the Chakyar, Pushpakas, Muthatu, Pisharody and the Varyar. In India the Ambalavasi live in Kerala. They speak Malayalam, Kerala's language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They work in Hindu temples where they often serve as artists. Some are musicians or perform dramas. Others are storekeepers or provide flowers for the Hindu temples.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Hinduism is their religion. Spiritual beliefs of Hindus are very diverse from those who worship only one god to those who worship hundreds of them to those who are philosophical and do not worship any. Brahmins are often in the latter category.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ambalavasi Brahmins need to find their way to the lord of Lords who alone can offer them life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray against pride getting in the way of the Ambalavasi Brahmins receiving Jesus Christ. Pray that God will give them dreams and visions leading them to begin a Christ-ward movement. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the Resurrected Savior. Pray for intercessors and workers.