Iyer Brahmin belongs to the largest Brahmin community of South India. Tamil Nadu is their home state though; there is a large number in Kerala as well. They are mostly engaged in administration. Slow to change, the Iyers still cherish their age old Brahminical customs and practices. This community has made a great contribution to the literary and cultural heritage of the South.

Etymology of Iyer Brahmin
Iyer is the plural form of "Iye" which evolved from "Arya". These days, however, the members of this sect have begun to give up the caste name of Iyer. Earlier, a typical Iyer name had four constituents: the name of the birth place or place of origin of the family; the initial letter of the father"s name; the "given" name and the caste name.

Society of Iyer Brahmin
The Iyers like other Brahmins, may follow any of the 3 Vedas - Rig, Yajur or Sama. The followers of the three Vedas are regarded as equals and can inter-marry, the wife adopting the Veda of the husband. There are a number of gotras into which all Brahmins are divided, such as those of Atri, Bhrigu, Rutsa, Vasishtha, Gautama, Kashyapa, Bharadwaja, Kaundinya and Angirasa. In their ceremonial rites they are guided either by the laws (sutras) laid down by Apastamba or Bodhayana.

Sub-Sect of Iyer Brahmin
Iyers are further divided into various sub-sects based on cultural and regional differences. The sub-sects are Vadama, Brahacharnam or Brahatcharanam, Vathima, Sholiyar or Chozhiar, Ashtasahasram, Mukkani, Gurukkal, Kaniyalar and Prathamasaki. Each sub-sects claim to be superior to the rest.

Culture of Iyer Brahmin
Iyers generally lead orthodox lives and adhere steadfastly to their customs and traditions. When he performs his Sandhya or salutes an elder, an Iyer mentions his lineage or gotra and his law giver (Apastamba or Bodhayana) in addition to his name. The lifestyle of Iyer Brahmin is quite disciplined. They follow religious rites according to the rules and the social customs. These are the foundation stones for the Iyer community.

Although they may appear to be Shaivas, Iyers are Smratas i.e. followers of the Smritis. Smarta Tradition is a liberal form of Hinduism whose worship contains 5 key deities - Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Surya and Ganesha. Most of them are followers of Sankara and Six Fold Faith or "Shanmata". Another distinction is that the Iyers wear the leaves of both the Tulsi plant, sacred to Vishnu and the bilva plant, sacred to Lord Shiva, in their hair.