Nadar (Hindu traditions) in Sri Lanka

Introduction / History

In the past the Nadar people of southern India owned and cultivated palmyra palm trees. Either they or their servants would climb the palm tree, cut a branch and collect the sweet sap. Although all parts of this palm tree are valuable, the sap quickly becomes palm wine in the warm climate of south India. The production of palm wine or toddy was the main occupation of the Nadars until modern times.

The Nadar speak Tamil and other regional languages. The Nadar people live primarily in the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala today. A smaller number live in the other southern states.

There is also a Nadar community in Sri Lanka. A 26-year civil war starting in 1983 took place in the Sri Lanka that claimed the lives of up to 100,000 and caused millions of dollars in property damage. The majority Buddhist Sinhalese declared victory over the Hindu Tamil Tigers in 2009. As Hindu Tamils, many Nadar sided with the rebellious Tamil Tigers. That has brought the Nadars under the scrutiny of the Buddhist majority.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some Nadar and government leaders are trying to discourage the production of alcohol and encourage the production of sugar from the sap of the palm tree. Today, many Nadars obtain higher education and achieve leadership positions in business and government. Some educated Nadars are fully engaged in modern Sri Lankan society, while others, lacking formal education, work and live in rural villages, following the traditions of their ancestors. This underscores the importance of higher education for the Nadar community.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The vast majority of the Nadar people are Hindus. The Goddess Bhadrakali is the chief deity of the Nadar. The Nadar also claim that they are the descendants of Bhadrakali. A Bhadrakali temple is at the center of nearly every Nadar community. She is pictured as a fierce warrior with three eyes and carrying weapons with her many hands. The Nadar also worship Murugan, the god of war and son of Shiva.

A small but significant percentage of Nadar are Christians, both Protestants and Catholics.

What Are Their Needs?

The Nadar people need Christ s ambassadors to introduce them to the one who brings life to the full. They must comprehend that Jesus is more than another Hindu god or guru. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Rural Nadar need access to modern medical and clean water. They also need advanced education.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Nadar Christians would be trained in discipleship and reach out to their Hindu neighbors with the gospel of Christ.
Pray that Nadar churches read and study the Tamil Bibles that are available.
Pray for Christian colleges to offer advanced education to the Nadars.
Pray for Nadar disciples to disciple others in Sri Lanka and India.

Text Source:   Joshua Project