Ilayath

√ Ilayath (IAST:Ilayat) (also written as Elayath, Elayathu, Ilayathu) is a Hindu caste in Kerala. They are one of the Brahmin communities and considered to be a sub sect of Nampoothiri Community. The house of an Ilayath is known as Illam. The origin of this community like those of Nampoothiris and Nairs and perhaps most of the upper class communities in Kerala is shrouded in history. And what remains is a few legends and traditions.

The story (according to Keralolpathi, an ancient semi historical work on Kerala legends) is that 64 Brahmin families migrated to Kerala, after the Land mass was reclaimed by Parasurama.They were called Nampoothiris. They were the custodians of the Vedas and few of them proclaimed themselves as having exclusive privilege to teach the Vedas. They followed certain defined ritual customs and unique cultural practices.Next to them in the caste hierarchy were Nairs and other communities. While Nampoothiris who were afraid of losing their caste privileges and priesthood refused to spread Vedic culture and rituals among other communities Elayath (meaning, younger)not only officiated as priest in major Devi temples but also helped to perform domestic rituals of other communities like Nairs. They seem to have made Hindu rituals and related cultural practices popular among the society.