Vaidiki Velanadu is a sub-caste of Telugu speaking Smarta Brahmins whose ancestral roots lie in velanadu region, the ancient name for the coastal region on the banks of River Krishna in the Guntur district and Prakasam district. They are predominantly followers of Adi Shankaracharya and are mostly located in Andhra Pradesh.
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History
The earliest reference to Vaidiki Velanadu starts from 12th century. Vaidiki Brahmins have participated in the Battle of Palanadu on the side of Brahma Naidu
It is believed that the king Krishnadevaraya appointed above 2000 Brahmins to perform daily rituals for the warriors during the wars against Bahmani Sultans of Deccan viz.,Golkonda,Gulbarga, Ahmednagar and Bijapur . Their families then settled in various parts of Tamil Nadu after the defeat of Rama Raya the son- in law of Krishnadevaraya in the battle of "Tallikota" around 1556 A.D, and performed services like horoscopy, astrology, Nithya karma, Marriage and death ceremonies.
Present day
Most of the Telugu-speaking priests of Smarta tradition are from this sect. However, the people have diversified into other professions.