Embranthiri
The Embrandiri (Malayalam: എമ്പ്രാന്തിരി), also transliterated as Embranthiri, are a Malayali Brahmin subcaste of Tulu origin.
Embranthiris are Brahmins who migrated to Kerala from the Tulu Nadu region. Even though settled in Kerala, most of the Embranthiries still speak Tulu as mother-tongue, and are considered as Tulu Brahmins.
Some sects of Embranthiris have adopted the Malayali Brahmin surnames "Namboothiri" and "Potti" after arriving in Kerala. They are the followers of Vaishnavism. Because of their Vaishnava Dharma they mainly serve in Vishnu temples, Krishna temples and yagams more than other gods.
History
During AD 1238–1317 some families of Brahmins in Tulu Nadu started following their acharya (Spiritual leader) Madhvacharya, They created some groups and followed him and his views, later they are called as Tulu Brahmins or Embrandriri. Under the guidance of Sri Madhvacharya the community strongly followed Vishnavism and they done Vishnu poojas and yagams on temples. Embranthiries where specialized in yagams because of their vast knowledge in vedas and mantras.
Present day
During the times of the British Empire many Embrandiri Tulu Brahmin families moved from udupi to several places of India. Most of the families moved to Kerala because of culture and tradition of Kerala Brahmins (Namboothiri) is very much close enough to their culture. They moved to several places of Kerala and founded Madams as their home. Later they used Madam as their family name.
Philosophy
Embrandiries are followers of Dvaita Vedanta of Madhvacharya and are ardent devotees of Lord Vishnu.