WELCOME TO NAAGAR SETU

Nagars are believed to be one of the oldest Brahmin groups, with historians tracing their origins back to a purely Aryan heritage that brought them to India from Southern Europe and Central Asia. They migrated through the Hindu Kush, eventually reaching either Trivishtapa or Tibet; from there, they moved via Kashmir and settled around Kurukshetra. Recent research suggests that their Aryan heritage likely originated in Hatak, a place where the predominant deity is Hatak, Hatkeshwar, or Hatkesh. According to the Skandapurana, the land of Hatkeshwar was a sacred gift from Lord Shiva, designated for the Nagars to settle on. This came after Lord Shiva himself established the Nagar community to celebrate his union with Uma.

Legend tells of this land, along with riches, being bestowed upon the Nagars by King Chamatkar of Anarta for their heroic act of saving his life. The King was on a hunt when he killed a deer that was suckling its young. In retaliation, the deer placed a curse on the King, resulting in him developing leukoderma. However, in the same area lived a humble village of Brahmins who, with their knowledge of herbs, were able to cure the King of his ailment. Grateful, King Chamatkar offered them riches and land as a reward. These Brahmins, known for their high principles and austere living, initially refused the king's generosity. However, the Queen of the village managed to convince 68 out of 72 of the Brahmins to accept the offer. The four who declined chose to leave the village and move to the Himalayas with their families. Those who remained are considered the founders of the Nagar family identity, also known as "Gotra."

Another version of the legend speaks of King Chamatkar of Anarta who, after rebuilding an abandoned city called Chamatkarpur, consecrated a temple to Hatkeshwar as a token of gratitude towards the Brahmins, specifically those of Nagar descent. Over time, the city of Vadnagar went through several name changes but was eventually known by its current name. The inhabitants of Vadnagar, now referred to as Nagars, found refuge in the nearby areas of Saurashtra and Rajasthan during times of invasion. During these tumultuous periods, they worked diligently to preserve their heritage and code.

As time progressed, the King of Ajmer went on to conquer Gujarat around A.D. 1040. In gratitude, the King of Ajmer awarded the cities of Vishnagar (formerly Vishalnagar), Chitrod (or Chitakutpati), Prashnipur, Krashnor, and Sathod (also known as Shatpad) to the Brahmins who were descendants or offshoots of the Nagars from Vadnagar.

We are only taking the first steps in this endeavor, and it is up to Naagars to contribute in any way they see fit - whether through articles, literature, suggestions, messages, or even light-hearted content that can engage and entertain our community members. Our female members also play a crucial role in this initiative.

We recognize the diverse needs of our community members - from students seeking guidance, to youth looking for career opportunities and life partners, to middle-aged individuals seeking entertainment and knowledge, to seniors wanting to connect with others. Everyone desires some form of recreation, whether it be through travel, sports, or simply engaging with others.

Thank you for your support and Jay Hatkesh.

Sincerely,

Kamalkant Vinodray Jhala