Semwal Explained

Caste Name:	Semwal
Classification:	Brahmin
Country:	India
Populated States:	Uttarakhand
Languages:	Garhwali
Related:	Garhwali people
Religions:	Hinduism

Semwal is one of the thirty-six subcastes of Sarola Brahmin from Uttarakhand.^[1] They are the sole custodians and pandits of the Gangotri temple.^[2]

Etymology

The name "Semwal" originates from a place called Sem-Mukhem (Hindi:सेम-मुखेम) in Uttarakhand, abode to the shrine of Sem-Mukhem Nagraj (Hindi: सेममुखेम नागराज) often considered among the locals as the fifth shrine of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage of which the Semwals are permanent serving priests.^{[3] [4]} Apart from this, the name "Semwal" might also have originated from Sem village in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Book: Saklani, Atul. 1987. The History of a Himalayan Princely State: Change, Conflicts, and Awakening: an Interpretative History of Princely State of Tehri Garhwal, U.P., A.D. 1815 to 1949 A.D.. Durga Publications. not specified. 17918157.
2. News: Doval . Pankaj . Cracks appear in Gangotri temple . 22 March 2022 . The Times of India . Jun 28, 2013 . en.
3. Web site: Census of India, 1961. India Office of the Registrar. General. 1962. Manager of Publications. Google Books.
4. Web site: The History of a Himalayan Princely State: Change, Conflicts, and Awakening : an Interpretative History of Princely State of Tehri Garhwal, U.P., A.D. 1815 to 1949 A.D.. Atul. Saklani. 4 May 1987. Durga Publications. Google Books.
5. Gopal . Ram . A Brief Study Of Gastronomy Of Brahmins In Uttarakhand, India . Chitkara University . June 2015 . 2, Issue-10 . en.