Vaidiki Velanadu is a sub-caste of Telugu speaking Smarta Brahmins whose ancestral roots lie in the Velanadu region, the ancient name for the coastal region on the banks of River Krishna in the Guntur district and Prakasam district.
Some may have roots in Northern Andhra Pradesh near Visakhapatnam or Srikakulam or in Southern Telangana near Nalgonda.
Most Vaidiki Velanadu Brahmins follow the Apastamba Dharmasutra and belong to the Taittiriya Shakha of the Krishna Yajur Veda.
Early references mention that the Velanadu Brahmins have a martial tradition, and many have fought bravely in the Battle of Palnadu on the side of Brahma Naidu.
However, the people have diversified into other professions like military service, sports, politics, arts, medicine, advocacy, science, engineering and academics.