Iyengars are a sect of Brahmins that predominantly worship Lord Vishnu, one of the three leading deities of the Hindu religion. Brahmins originated as the priestly class in ancient India and, to a large extent, still continue to do so.
Iyengars in particular are Brahmins who have settled in the Southern States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, but predominantly in Tamil Nadu.
Vadakalai Iyengars sport the U naama, rather than the Thenkalai Y naamam. Compared to the Thenkalai Iyengars who thrived in Srirangam, their tradition developed around Kanchi. The differing intellectual environments results in the stronger emphasis on Tamil literature among the Thenkalai and the stronger emphasis on the Sanskrit literature amongst the Vadakalai. Unlike the Thenkalai, who follow the doctrines of Manavalamamuni, the Vadakalai follow the doctrines of Vedantadesika.
The Supremely merciful Lord Sriman NArAyanA reveals the spiritual knowledge to His most ardent devotees. They in turn instruct others. This is called a "ParamparA". Thus, NArAyanA Himself becomes the first AchAryA and the knowledge revealed in the paramparA is nothing but what NArAyanA Himself has revealed. This chain of tradition beginning from Sriman NArAyanA is also known as the"Sat SampradAyam".
