Brahmin Jijhotia in India

Introduction / History

The Jijjhotia or Jujhautiya are a group of Brahmins who live in north and central India. The Brahmins are the highest of the four castes or varnas of Hinduism. Their traditional occupation was that of priests, scholars and teachers. During the British period they were large landowners and helped the government collect taxes.

Today the Jijhotia work in other fields such a public service, agriculture and as professionals. The Jijhotria are often leaders in the careers they pursue. Their families encourage graduate degrees for their sons and daughters.

The primary language of the Jijjhotia is Hindi. As educated Indians they also speak English and regional languages.

Where Are they Located?

The largest groups of Jijhotia Brahmins live in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Smaller groups live in other regions of north, west and central India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Jijhotia take pride in their high status within Hinduism and Indian society.

Traditionally in the varna or caste system Brahmins are considered as priests, but a temple priest is a lowly position that no Brahmin family wants their sons to aspire towards. Rather, there is strong pressure for higher education, particularly in computer science and engineering. Jijhotria have a strong work ethic and are often leaders, whether politically, intellectually, spiritually or socially.

Brahmins are still deeply influenced by the traditional four stages of life; the first student stage is followed by the householder stage, where marriage, raising a family and being a productive member of society is the primary obligation of an individual. Once children are married there is time for spiritual concerns in the third stage of reclusiveness, which is followed (this is rarely practiced) by itinerant homeless wandering.

The Jijhtotia are strict vegetarians. Their main foods consist of rice, grains, vegetables and fruit.

The Jijhotia marry only within their caste but do not marry within their particular clan or gotra.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Jijhotia Brahmins practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that be performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Jijhotia visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers and incense to their gods. As Brahmins, they officiate at Hindu festivals and ceremonies.

The main yearly holidays of the Hindu Jijjhotia people are Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights and Navratri, the celebration of autumn.

What Are Their Needs?

The pride of the Brahmins can often get in the way of their seeing themselves as sinners in need of a Savior. They are resistant to enter the religion of Christianity where everyone is equal at the foot of the cross. The Brahmins as an influential and generally well-to-do community are not unlike the upper middle classes of most places. Their main needs involve relational strains that are usually kept behind closed doors. Modernization is breaking down family units, which have been the glue to society for many generations, and loneliness is increasingly a problem. They are expected to "achieve it all," but ironically, achieving it all can be empty.

Prayer Points

Pray for Christ to reveal Himself to Jijhotia Brahmins.
Pray for the eyes of Brahmin hearts to be open to Jesus Christ as Lord and King.
Pray for Holy Spirit directed Christ followers to go to Jijhotia Brahmin communities.
Pray for many to be prompted to faithfully pray for Jijhotia Brahmins.

Text Source:   David Kugel