Gandhabanik
From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
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| Gandhabanik গন্ধবণিক |
|
|---|---|
| Kuladevi (female) | Gandheshwari |
| Religions | Hinduism |
| Languages | Bengali |
| Populated States | West Bengal |
Gandhabanik is a Bengali Hindu trading caste, who as the caste name suggests, traditionally used to trade in perfumes, incense and spices. Chinese traveller Fa Hien referred to the Gandhabaniks as a Hindu business community.[citation needed] In spring, the Gandhabaniks pay homage to Gandheshwari, the goddess of perfume.[citation needed]
Religion
The Gandhabaniks were initially Shaivas, later they became Shaktas. Later, they turned towards Vaishnavism during reform movement of Chaitanya.[citation needed] However, titular deity Gandheshwari is still worshipped.
