The Origin of the Panda surname, found in Odisha, West Bengal, and other states of India and abroad.
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Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, physical characteristics, etc. Surnames(उपनाम/कुलनाम) and titles (उपाधि/पदवी) or decorations used along with the proper names commonly added at the end of the names - are either genealogical or professional and sometimes topographical.
The genealogical surname has been in use from generation to generation and it is generally family names some of which may even have been personal names. Professional names have also been adopted as family names and are regularly used as surnames.
It has been a practice for quite a few centuries to award titles (उपाधि/पदवी) to persons who occupy positions of distinction in intelligence, learning, wealth, honor, etc. Persons who have rendered meritorious service to the country have also been awarded titles that have gone down from generation to generation and thus got absorbed as family names or surnames.
Indian history from pre-Mughal days has shown that the ruling Hindu Kings had awarded titles to persons and families for either meritorious service to the country or for leadership in society. This practice has been followed by the Pathan and the Mughal rulers and by their successors, the British as well. Even in independent India, the Presidential awards on Republic day are a continuation of the old practice of honoring persons for their service to the country.
"जन्म और मृत्यु के चक्र में जीव इस वृक्ष
-की एक शाखा से दूसरी शाखा तक भ्रमण-
करता रहता है।"
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| "All the leaves of the inverted Ashvattha (अश्वत्थ) tree, whether large or small, and regardless of their position, are regarded as equal. Similarly, all human beings are valued equally, irrespective of their differences in size & color or status, as all are created by Brahma through Manu, Satarupa, and the Saptarishis. Moreover, all souls transition from one branch to another in the eternal cycle of existence." "Don’t Chase the God — He’ll Come to You" Don’t run through forests, don’t climb the skies, Don’t chase His form with weary eyes. Just love Him true, in silent prayer, And feel His presence in the air. He seeks not gold, nor grand display, But hearts that bloom in love each day. In tears you shed, in songs you sing, In every breath — He’s everything. Don’t run after God, don’t roam the blue — Just love Him deep… He’ll come to you. ★ अपवित्रं पवित्रं करोषि, सर्वसौभाग्यवर्धिनी। सर्वसौम्या भक्तिप्रदा, तुलसी माता नमोऽस्तु ते॥ |
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| ब्राह्मणसेवानियमः देवकार्ये द्वौ ब्राह्मणौ, पितृकार्ये त्रयः। असमर्थतायां एकः ब्राह्मणः, निमन्त्रणं तु श्रेयः। श्रीमद-भागवतम ·स्कन्ध 7 , अध्याय 15 |
Panda(पंडा) Surname & Title:-
Panda( Hindi:पंडा)(Bengali: পন্ডা)(Odia:ପଣ୍ଡା) is a surname & title found in India and abroad. They are found in all Hindu pilgrimage centers of India and abroad that is why they are called Pilgrimage Priests.
ब्राह्मण = जन्म से ब्राह्मण वर्ग का सदस्य।
☆
सु-ब्राह्मण = श्रेष्ठ ब्राह्मण, अर्थात जो ज्ञान,
भक्ति, वैराग्य, आचार, आचरण, नैतिकता
आदि प्रत्येक क्षेत्र में उत्तम हो।
☆
दशोपायब्रह्ममार्गः
प्रथमं च शरीरशुद्धिः, द्वितीयं च मनःशुद्धिः।
तृतीयं च बुद्धिशुद्धिः, चतुर्थं च आत्मशुद्धिः॥
आत्मशुद्ध्या लभ्यते हि, ईश्वरस्य साक्षात्कृतिः॥
पञ्चमं भक्तियुक्तत्वं, षष्ठं ज्ञानविवर्धनम्।
सप्तमं तत्त्वबोधश्च, अष्टमं समाधिस्थितिः॥
नवमं निर्विकल्पत्वं, दशमं मोक्षसाधनम्।
एवं दशक्रमैः साध्यं, परमं ब्रह्मनिर्वाणम्॥
★
अच्युतं बलभद्रं च, जगन्नाथं जनार्दनम्।
कलियुगे प्रादुरास्ते, कलिदोषविनाशकम्॥
शङ्खध्वनि: सायंप्राते नित्यं कार्या समाहितैः।
नरनार्यः समायुक्ताः प्रसन्नचेतसः सदा॥
न स्त्री न पुरुषो भेदो धर्मे कर्मणि च क्वचित्।
शङ्खध्वनि: सदा कार्या नारायणप्रसन्नये॥
☆
घोषोऽयं शङ्खनादस्य दैविको पुण्यवर्धनः।
नारायणस्य प्रीत्यर्थं घोषयेत् शङ्खनिस्वनम्॥
नास्ति धर्मे स्त्रीपुंसोः भेदभावः कदाचन।
सर्वे समत्वभावेन कुर्वन्तु शङ्खनादकम्॥
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| [पंडा उपनाम को गलती से लोग पांडा कहते है] |
Origin of Panda(पंडा) Surname:-
The origin of the Panda (पंडा) surname (उपनाम/कुलनाम) is a subject of diverse opinions among Brahmins, making it challenging to provide a definitive explanation. However, a widely accepted perspective suggests that the term Panda may have originated from the Sanskrit word "Pandita," meaning Learned, Scholar, or Priest, and is likely associated with the words Pandit or Pundit.
It is pertinent to mention here the term Pandit is derived from the term Pand (पण्ड्) which means "to collect, heap, pile up", and this root is used in the sense of knowledge.पंडः का अर्थ होता है विद्वता। The term is found in Vedic and post-Vedic texts.
In the historical context, Panda titles (उपाधि) were ordained for those who were honest, noble, pious, pundits and had knowledge of Pilgrimage, Genealogy, Pandulipi(Manuscript), cosmology, epistemology, philosophical doctrines, precepts on meditation and practices of yoga, Mantras, temple construction, deity worship and practicing priests and promulgators of God, Pind Daan and also had knowledge in another field.
In the course of time, some of this title became the surname (उपनाम/कुलनाम) and the later generations inherited it. Due to this reason among Panda surname Gotra, Pravara, Sutra, Sakhas are different.
शिशुरूपेण भगवान् रेममाणो जगत्पतिः।
आत्मनः निजरूपं स प्रकटयति भक्तये॥
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| नित्यं पठ्यते गीता-भागवतम्। मुक्तिमोक्षप्रदाते एतद् द्वयम्॥ |
Utkal Brahmin Panda:-
Panda( Hindi:पंडा)(Bengali: পন্ডা)(Odia:ପଣ୍ଡା) is a surname of Utkal Brahmin mostly found in Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and rarely found in other parts of India and abroad.
सच्चिदानन्दं परब्रह्म आद्याशक्तिं परमेश्वरीम्।
बलभद्रं च अनन्तं च नमामि पादपङ्कजे॥
It is pertinent to mention here, there are many gotras of Panda surname in Utkal Brahman, some are Katyayani gotri Brahmin, some are Saraswat gotri Brahmin, some are Bharadwaja gotri Brahmin, some are Kashyapa gotri Brahmin and some are other.
It is important to note that in the Utkala kingdom (Odisha), there are many Brahmins who do not hold the title of Panda, yet they are referred to as Panda Brahmins. Here "Panda" surname/title is used as a common surname / generic surname of Utkal Brahmins.
Read.>🔗जनेऊ या यज्ञोपवीत धारण विधि।
ईश्वरस्य क्रियाः सर्वाः,विज्ञानस्वरूपिणीः।
न स अन्धविचारोऽस्ति,सत्यस्यैव परो निधिः॥
☆
All of God's actions are of the nature
of science; He is not blind belief,
but the supreme source of truth.
हरी ओम मंत्र
☆
ईश्वरः परमं ज्ञानं,यत्र नित्यं प्रकाशते।
न स कदापि मूढानां,कल्पाभ्रमवृत्तिमान्॥
God is the supreme knowledge, where eternal
light shines. He is never of the ignorant, nor one
whose nature is delusion born of imagination.
Hari Mein khoya hoon Main.
हरि में खोया हूं मैं।
★
Gayawal Panda(गया पंडा):-
Gayawal Pandas or Gaya Pandas (also known as Brahma Kalpit Brahmins) are Hindu Brahmin subcaste mainly found in the Indian state of Bihar. They follow the Dvaita philosophy propounded by Madhvacharya. They are followers of Uttaradi Math. Gaya pandas are the most specialized group of priests, who hold a traditional monopoly over the performance of shraddha rituals on the Ghats of Gaya. *The word "Gayawal" means "inhabitant of Gaya.
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| Vishnupad Temple, Gaya-Bihar |
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| Gaya Panda-Manoj Lal Katariyar. Owner of Odisha-Bhawan-Gaya Tirth Mobile-No-99348 38373 |
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| Chakulia Panda |
Chakulia Panda- (पंडा ठाकुर):-
Chakulia panda is a sect of people from the Indian state of Odisha who are mostly found to live in southern Odisha. The male members of this sect walk from door to door, Chanting Jay Jagannath and recite religious poems, from early Odia literature and receive rice in return from the households. They are believed to be a "dignified" Brahmin. They are also called Panda Thakur (पंडा ठाकुर)।
सत्यं दया तपः शौचं धर्मस्य पदचतुष्टयम्।
यत्र तिष्ठति तत्त्रैव सत्ययुगं प्रतिष्ठितम्॥
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| सच्चिदानन्दं परब्रह्म, आद्यां शक्तिं परमेश्वरीम्। वासुदेवं सङ्कर्षणं च, नमामि पादपङ्कजम्॥ _DHARMA_Utkala%20Brahmin%20%20%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%20%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%20%E0%AC%89%E0%AC%A4%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%95%E0%AC%B3%20%E0%AC%AC%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%B0%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%B9%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%AE%E0%AC%A3%20%E0%A6%89%E0%A7%8E%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B2%20%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%A3.png) तृतीयो दयया युक्तः, चतुर्थः तपसा दृढः॥ एते चारुपादाश्चैव, धर्मस्तिष्ठति निश्चितम्। यः पालयति धर्मं वै, स पालयति सर्वकम्॥ |
सनकादि ऋषियों का एक दिब्य एवं चमत्कारी
मंत्र- हरि शरणम
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| 🙏Panda Thakur🙏 |
Chakulia Panda, known as Panda Thakur, marks his presence by adorning the forehead with white sandalwood, carrying a "chatri" (umbrella), and shouldering a bag of rice while melodiously singing songs or chanting "Jai Jagannath." The act of offering rice to Chakulia Panda holds a sacred significance, surpassing the perceived sanctity of donating to a hundred Brahmins. As they visit homes, the rhythmic recitation of "Rama, Parasurama, Janaka Nandini" graces the air. Remarkably, Chakulia Pandas refrain from soliciting alms during their entire visit, graciously accepting whatever is offered. Additionally, they bestow a Tilak upon the foreheads of boys and girls in the household while seeking alms.
Chakulia panda accepting rice as Alms
from a house in Odisha
from a house in Odisha
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"Every person should act in accordance with the
religious conduct prescribed for their varna (caste)
inherited through past impressions and their
ashrama (stage of life)." Srimad Bhagavatam (10.24)
Panda title among other communities.
Panda is a clan of the Jat community of Multan, Pakistan. It is also found in Punjab, Haryana among Kamboj clans.
Surname and caste.
A surname alone does not determine caste. Caste identity is shaped by various factors, including family background, social context, and cultural traditions. Many surnames are shared across different communities, and their meaning can vary based on region and historical influences.
☯In conclusion, we should neither take pride in nor feel sorrow over our surnames or titles, as they are nothing more than temporary labels. Our true focus should be on nurturing virtues like truth, austerity, compassion, charity, purity, love, devotion, and kindness. These enduring qualities shape our true essence far more deeply than any label, surname, title or rank ever can.
Names and Surnames.
On this earth where names are born,
A title given—by love, by scorn.
A mark of place, a seal to bind,
A legacy we leave behind.
Surnames rise like rugged peaks,
The voice of clans, the old world speaks.
In lines and letters etched with pride,
The world decides who stands, who hides.
Between these names, a chasm grows—
Of justice lost and honor owed.
For names can burn or heal the soul,
Or lock it in a scripted role.
So rise, unmarked by name or kin,
Beyond the walls that hold us in.
With spirit freed from bonds and claims,
We soar beyond the weight of names.
What’s left is pure—a soul set free,
Beyond the binds of blood to be
☆
I dedicate this writing for the peace
of the departed soul of my only son
late ৺ Akash Mahanty author of
Waybackpy,Videohash, etc
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| Inventor: Waybackpy |
Reference:-
1.The genesis of Utkal Brahman.
2.Collection of information from Utkal Brahmans scholars.
3.Wikipedia.
Comment of Author:-
If anybody or any organization doesn't agree with any content of this article, he or they may mention it in the comments with documentary evidence and it will be corrected. Any comments in this regard without documentary evidence and source of Information will be treated as mala fide and will be deleted.
For more information about Utkala Brahmin Panda, you may read The Genesis of Utkal Brahmin. To read "The Genesis of Utkal Brahmin"
Faith in God's Justice
A devotee stands with steadfast heart,
Bound to their God, never to part.
In storm or sun, through joy and pain,
Their faith unbroken, a sacred chain.
No shadow of doubt, no tempest’s might,
Can dim their trust or steal their light.
For in their soul, a flame does burn,
A truth so pure, to which they return.
Seated in prayer or walking alone,
They carry their God, a cornerstone.
Neither bent by time nor worn by strife,
It shapes their path, it molds their life.
An eternal bond, a love profound,
A faith that echoes, a sacred sound.
Oh, devotee, your heart so true,
A beacon of light, a celestial hue.
Your faith in God’s justice guides your way,
Unmoved, unshaken, come what may.
★
About the Author:-
Prabir is an Indian author who was born into a Utkal Brahmin family in the Indian state of West Bengal. He is known for his books, which are sold through Amazon.com, Flipkart.com, and Abebooks.com. Prabir is known for his genre/style of writing and has gained a dedicated following of readers who appreciate his unique perspective/engaging storytelling/etc. Prabir has a passion for writing and has dedicated his career to creating engaging and thought-provoking works for his readers.
प्रबीर एक भारतीय लेखक हैं। उनका जन्म भारतीय राज्य पश्चिम बंगाल में एक उत्कल ब्राह्मण परिवार में हुआ था। उनकी किताबें Amazon.com,flipkart.com और abebooks.com के जरिए बेची जाती हैं। 12 लाख से अधिक लोगों ने उनकी किताबें और लेख पढ़े हैं।
Comment of Author:-This article has been penned under the divine inspiration of Lord Jagannath. If anybody or any organization doesn't agree with any content of this article, he or they may mention it in the comments with documentary evidence and it will be corrected.