Padmasali (also spelt as Padmashali, Padmasale) is a Hindu caste residing in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,[1] Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
[6] The word Padma referring to the myth of the thread was a lotus which sprang from the navel of Vishnu.
The caste then split due to differences in faith, with the Devangas being influenced by Lingayatism and accepting Chamundeswari, the fierce form of Durga as their kuladevi.
They created various myths in order to reconcile their low-status in the Hindu caste-system with their claims to high-caste Sanskritic Brahmin status.
After migration, the Padmasalis lived in Saliya Teru (weavers' street) specially assigned to them by royal patrons in the temple town of Kanchipuram.
[13] Major silk retail houses like Nalli is owned by Padmasali families.
[9] The Padmasalis wear the sacred thread.,[14] however this practice has declined in recent years, along with desires of Sanskritisation and high caste status.