Ambalavasi

'temple-dwelling') is the generic name for a group of castes among Hindus in Kerala, India, who have traditionally rendered temple services.

[1] The Ambalavasis are broadly divided into two groups, being those who wear the sacred thread and those who do not.

Pushpakans and Nambeesans are teachers in the Pathasalas or Mutts and suppliers of flowers to temple.

Variar and Poduval performed managerial and executive functions of temple committees and served as storekeepers and watchmen.

Earlier, each of these temple arts were performed only by specific Ambalavasi castes.