PANDARAM

Historically, a designation for a class of Hindu mendicants or religious devotees in South India, often belonging to the Shudra or service caste. They sometimes served as assistant priests in Shaiva temples.

Example The 'pandaram' at the local Shiva temple assisted the main priest in performing daily rituals and ceremonies. This term reflects the diversity of religious practices and social roles within Hinduism in Tamil Nadu. Although 'pandarams' might not have directly owned land, they could have been associated with temples and received support or land grants for their services.