Gurav

The Gurav (also spelled Gurava or Guru) are a traditional service and priestly community, who serve in Hindu temples to Ganesha, Hanuman, Shiva and Gramadevata, in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and other states in western and southern India. They historically perform religious and temple-related duties, including serving as temple priests (pujaris), caretakers, musicians, and participants in rituals.

The other occupations of the gurav include making and selling "leaf-plates", and selling "flower", "Bel leaves" the guravs also play music for patrons. Gurav are also family priests to devadis. the traditional female temple dancer. The community is composed of several subgroups, including Lingayat Gurav, Saiva Gurav, and Bhavika Gurav, with each subgroup observing distinct ritual practices.

Maharashtrian Brahmins classify the Gurav's as Shudras, however, they have historically granted them custodianship of temples. In Karnataka, the Gurav community is categorized under "Category-I" of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list for state-level reservations. This classification provides them access to reservation benefits in education and employment within the state. In Maharashtra, many Gurav are listed as Other Backward Classes (OBC) under state government notifications, Their identity, roles, and social status reflect a complex interplay of religion, caste, and local traditions.