Viswakarma Asari in India

Introduction / History

According to their traditional belief, they are descendants of Vishvarkarman, a Hindu deity. The Viswakarma Asari peoples have subgroups that are stonemasons, blacksmiths, workers with other metals like gold or bronze, and those who make jewelry. They are a relatively new caste. The caste system has some flexibility, in that new castes can be created, and others can be discontinued or combined with others. They live all over India, especially the southern states.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Asari Viswakarma community members still work with various practical jobs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Asari Viswakarma people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

This group of people is dedicated to the Hindu religious system. The Viswakarma Asari people live in states like Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Karnataka where there is a church, and there are even local evangelists who can reach out to their Hindu neighbors.

Prayer Points

Pray that the believers among the Viswakarma Asari people will be loving and bold as they share the blessings of Jesus Christ with their Hindu neighbors. Pray that they will walk in the fruit of the Holy Spirit, never giving way to discouragement or doubt.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Viswakarma Asari people a hunger and thirst for righteousness that will lead them to Jesus.
Pray for Viswakarma Asari family leaders to be blessed by Jesus and recognize that their entire extended families need Him as well.
Pray for a church planting movement to spread far and wide among the Viswakarma Asari people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project