The Origin of the Nayak surname, found in Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and other states of India.
Surname(उपनाम/कुलनाम ) and Title(उपाधि/पदवी):-
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.
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| नित्यं पठ्यते गीता-भागवतम्। मुक्तिमोक्षप्रदाते एतद् द्वयम्॥ |
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| "जन्म और मृत्यु के चक्र में जीव इस वृक्ष -की एक शाखा से दूसरी शाखा तक भ्रमण - करता रहता है।" |
Nayak surname & caste:-
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| Nayak surname & caste |
Origin & history of Nayak Surname:-
राष्ट्र रक्षा समं पुण्यं,राष्ट्र रक्षा समं व्रतम्,
राष्ट्र रक्षा समं यज्ञो,दृष्टो नैव च नैव च।
अर्थात्
"राष्ट्र रक्षा के समान कोई पुण्य नहीं,
राष्ट्र रक्षा के समान कोई व्रत नहीं,
राष्ट्र रक्षा के समान कोई यज्ञ नहीं, ऐसा कहीं देखा नहीं गया है।"
The term "Nayak" has significant historical and cultural importance in various regions of India. In Sanskrit, Hindi, Bengali, and Odia, it translates to 'leader,' 'hero,' 'chief,' or 'protagonist.' The title of Nayak was historically bestowed upon individuals who held leadership positions, including Sardars, Governors of feudal territories, community leaders, section leaders within the priestly community (Sevayata), or chiefs of various groups.
In a historical context, this title, also known as "उपाधि" or "पदवी," was granted by kings without regard to caste or social status. Over time, the Nayak title evolved into a hereditary surname, passed down through generations.
The Nayak surname is prevalent among various communities, such as Utkal Brahmins in Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, as well as among Kshatriya/Khandayat (meaning "Master of the sword") communities in Odisha. It is also found among the Aguri (Ugra-Kshatriya) community in West Bengal and the Bhumihar Brahmins in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In regions like Maharashtra and Karnataka and their neighboring states, the Naik/Nayek surname is used by Marathas, CKP's (Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu), Chitpavan Brahmins, and Deshastha Brahman communities.
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सत्यं प्रथमपादस्तु, शौचं द्वितीय उच्यते।
तृतीयो दयया युक्तः, चतुर्थः तपसा दृढः॥
एते चारुपादाश्चैव, धर्मस्तिष्ठति निश्चितम्।
यः पालयति धर्मं वै, स पालयति सर्वकम्॥
Nayak surname in Odisha:-
देशभक्तिः सर्वासु भक्तिषु श्रेष्ठा कथ्यते।
Nayak is a privileged surname of the Kshatriya or Khandayat caste of Odisha, comprising people who come from warrior classes and were anciently known for their heroism on the battlefield.
Utkal Brahmin Nayak:-
Nayak (Hindi:नायक)( Bengali:নায়ক)(Odia-ନାୟକ) is a surname of Utkal Brahmin mostly found in Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and rarely found in other parts of India and abroad. They are honest, pious, and noble Brahmins. They are a highly revered community and devoted to God.
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॥ Hari Mein khoya hoon Main. हरि में खोया हूं मैं। |
Hari Sharanam, Hari Sharanam.
Chanted By: Sanakadi Rishis
शिशुम् जज्ञानम् हर्य तम् मृजन्ति शुम्भन्ति वहिन
मरूतः गणेन। कविर्गीर्भि काव्येना कविर् सन्त् सोमः
पवित्रम् अत्येति रेभन्।
ऋग्वेद मण्डल 9, सूक्त 96, मंत्र 17
Jagannath Swami Nayana Patha Gami
Layek means deserving. Layak alternative spelling Layek is a surname of Utkal Brahmin mostly found in West Bengal and rarely found in other parts of India and abroad. The Layak surname is also found among Shunris and some other caste of West Bengal.
Layek surname among Utkal Brahmin:-
It is said Nayak Surname in the course of time, due to the wrong pronunciation has changed into Layek. This information is graded as C-3 as information needs to be verified.
It is pertinent to mention here, there are many gotras of Nayak and Layek surname in Utkal Brahman but the majority of them are Atri or Atreya gotri.
It is pertinent to mention here, Atreya (आत्रेय) Rishi, or Atreya Punarvasu, was a descendant of Atri, one of the great Hindu sages (rishis) whose accomplishments are detailed in the Puranas. He was a native of Taxila, Gandhara. Sage Atreya was a renowned scholar of Ayurveda and six schools of early Ayurveda were founded based on his teachings. He is credited as the writer of Bhela Samhita, dating to a period of 6th century BCE.
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.
ॐ Śrī Jagannātha Stotram ॐ
ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः । हरिः ॐ ॥
Dhyānaślokaḥ
परब्रह्म आदि देवं शङ्खचक्रगदाधरम्।
पीताम्बरधरं शान्तं स्मरामि श्री जगन्नाथं ॥
Meaning:
“I meditate upon the Supreme Brahman, the Primordial Lord, who bears the conch, discus, and mace, who is clad in yellow garments, who is serene, and who is the Master of the entire universe.”
1
यतः अनन्तशक्तिः, अनन्ताश्च जीवाः।
यतः निर्गुणात् अप्रमेयाः गुणाः।
यतः भाति सर्वं त्रिधा भेदभिन्नम्।
सदा तं जगन्नाथं नमामो भजामः॥
Meaning:
“From Him arise infinite powers and countless
souls. From the attributeless come all qualities
beyond measure. From Him shines forth this
whole universe in threefold diversity. We ever
bow to that Lord Jagannātha and worship Him.”
2
यतः च अविरासीद् जगत् सर्वमेतत्।
तथा अब्जासनः, विश्वगः, विश्वगोप्ता।
तथा इन्द्रादयः देवसंघा मनुष्याः।
सदा तं नारायणं नमामो भजामः॥
Meaning:
“From Him this entire creation emerged.
From Him Brahmā arose, seated on the lotus,
the Cosmic Soul pervading all. From Him
came Indra and all the gods and humans.
We ever bow to that Lord Narayan and
worship Him.”
3
यतः अग्निः वायुः भानुः भूश्च भवः।
यतः सागरः जलं चन्द्रमा व्योम।
यतः स्थावराः जङ्गमाः वृक्षसंघाः।
सदा तं नारायणं नमामो भजामः॥
Meaning:
“From Him comes fire, the sun, Rudra, water,
the ocean, the moon, the sky, and the wind.
From Him arise all moving and unmoving beings,
and the forests of trees. We ever bow
to that Lord Narayan and worship Him.”
4
यतः दानवाः किन्नराः यक्षसंघाः।
यतः चारणाः पन्नगाः च व्योमगाः।
यतः पक्षिणः कीटाः यतः वीरुधः।
सदा तं नारायणं नमामो भजामः॥
Meaning:
“From Him arise the demons,Kinnar, yakṣas,
spirits, the celestial singers, serpents, and
beings of the sky. From Him come all
birds, insects, and plant life. We ever bow
to that Lord Narayan and worship Him.”
5
यतः बुद्धिः अज्ञाननाशः मुमुक्षुः।
यतः सम्पदः भक्तसन्तोषिकाः स्युः।
यतः विघ्ननाशः यतः कार्यसिद्धिः।
सदा तं नारायणं नमामो भजामः॥
Meaning:
“From Him comes wisdom and the destruction of
ignorance for the seeker of freedom. From Him
come wealth and all that gladdens the hearts of
devotees. From Him comes the removal of
obstacles and the success of every righteous
effort. We ever bow to that Lord Narayan
and worship Him.”
6
यतः पुत्रलाभो यतः वाञ्छितार्थः।
यतः अभक्तविघ्नाश्च नानारूपाः।
यतः शोकमोहकामाः विनष्टाः।
सदा तं जगन्नाथं नमामो भजामः॥
Meaning:
“From Him comes the gift of children and the
fulfillment of every noble desire. From Him
come, grief delusion, and desire- and by Him,
grief, delusion , and desire are all destroyed.
We ever bow to that Lord Jagannātha
and worship Him.”
7
यतः अनन्तशक्तिः, स शेषः बभूव।
धराधारणे, अनेकरूपे प्रबुद्धः।
यतः अनेकधा स्वर्गलोकाः विचित्राः।
सदा तं जगन्नाथं नमामो भजामः॥
Meaning:
“He whose infinite power is manifest as Ananta
(Śeṣa),upholding the earth in countless forms
, ever awake. From Him exist the many wondrous
worlds of heaven. We ever bow to
that Lord Jagannātha and worship Him.”
8
यतः वेदवाचः विलीयन्ति सर्वाः।
विकुञ्ठा मनोभिः निरुद्धाः प्रपन्नाः।
परब्रह्मरूपं च चिदानन्दजातम्।
सदा तं जगन्नाथं नमामो भजामः॥
Meaning:
“In whom all the words of the Vedas find their
rest, whom the mind cannot confine yet to
whom the surrendered are led-I forever take
refuge in that Supreme Brahman. We ever bow
to that Lord Jagannātha and worship Him.”
Phalaśrutiḥ (Fruit of Recitation)
यः पठेत् समाहितः भक्त्या जगद्गुरोः स्तोत्रम्।
लभते भक्तिमतिं च भुक्तिं मुक्तिं च शाश्वतीम्॥
Meaning:
He too who reads with focus and devotion
the hymn of the World Teacher attains
devotion, enjoyment, and eternal liberation.
समापनः
॥ इति श्रीजगन्नाथस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
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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| Appreciation of Jeremie Lumbroso lecturer Princeton University. USA |
Comments of Author:-
If anybody or any organization doesn't agree with this article, he or they may mention it in the comments with documentary evidence and it will be corrected. Any comment in this regard without documentary evidence and source of Information will be treated as mala fide.
Ref-1.Wikipedia
2.Collection of information from Utkal Brahmins.
3.HISTORY OF ODISHA-(FROM 1435 TO 1803 A.D.)By Dr. Manas Kumar Das.
To read The Genesis of Utkal Brahmin, Bhavishya Mâlika: End of Kali Yuga: Kalki Avatar :-
Click on Link🔗>Utkala Brahmin : Bhavishya Mâlika: End of Kali Yuga: Kalki Avatar :-
नाहं ज्ञानी न च विद्वान् ।
मम सर्वं श्रीजगन्नाथप्रदत्तम् ॥
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. His books and articles cover a wide range of genres and topics, and he is highly popular within the intellectual community for his contributions.
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. Any comments in this regard without documentary evidence and source of Information will be treated as mala fide
