The
Mahuri Vaisya have 14 surnames/family names,
each with a different gotra.
It
is believed that Lord Krishna advised the ancient
ancestors of the Mahuri to engage themselves in trade
and commerce—that is, to take up the ways of the Vaisya—in
order to earn their livelihood. They settled in
fourteen hamlets nestled in the forests (of Vrindavana
(now Vrindavan) around the ancient city of Mathura,
whence the name "Mahuri". The fourteen
original Mahuri surnames or family names (referred
to by modern Mahuri Vaisya as "khatas") are
derived from the names of these forest hamlets.
The
khata Lohani:- The khata Lohani is given to families
who resided in the hamlet of Lohawana (near the cave
of the demon Loha-Asur). Lohani folks were initiated
in the school of "kapila Muni" and accordingly their
gotra is "kapil muni".
The
Khata Seth:- Those families who were residing
in "viharvana" acquired the khata "seth". This location
was believed to be a beautiful spot. Presently, there
stands a magnificent temple built by Jaipur King Shree
Madawajee. "Kamal muni" is the gotra of "Seth" Khata.
The
khata Bhadani:- The khata Bhadani is given to
families who resided in the hamlet of Bhadrawana.
Bhadanis belong to "kapil muni" gotra.
The
khata Tarway:- The khata Tarway is given to those
families who resided in the hamlet of Talwan. Taraways
belongs to "Vatasa muni" gotra.
The
khata Kandhaway:- The khata Kandhaway is given
to those families who resided in the hamlet of Kaamvana.
Kandhaways belong to the gotra of "Kashyap muni".
Barahapuriya:-
Barahapuriyas derive their khata from "madhuwan" where
their ancestors used to reside. In this place, one
king by the name of Brihat Sen is reported to have
performed yagya under the priesthood of Shanta rishi.
It is believed that the children performed yagya.
It is believed that "barahapuriyas" are descendants
of "baraha-sainis". The gotra of "barahpurias" is
"vashista muni" gotra.
Vaishakhiyar:-
Families residing in the "brihatvana" derived the
khata "Vaishakhiyar". This "brihatvana" was reportedly
located on the eastern flank of "lohavana" where "Nimbakacharya"
is believed to have appeared. "Vaishakhiyar" belongs
to "Bhardwaj muni" gotra.
Athaghara:-
"Athaghara" khata is derived from "khelvan" which
is believed to be the lila-ashali of Lord Krishan
and Radha. A pond named "mansarovar" was believed
to be located in the "khelwan". "Chandra muni" is
the gotra of athaghara.
Kapasimey:-
Kapasimey is derived from the "kumudvan". Here, there
is the shrine of Mahaprabhujee. The gotra of Kapasimey
is "Shandilya muni".
Kutariyaar:-
Families residing in the "bhandeervana" acquired "Kutariyaar"
khata. A well by the name "Bhandeer" is here. It is
believed that this well appeared when the lord Krishan
annihilated the demon "vatasha-ashur". "Sharan muni"
is perhaps the gotra of "kutariyaar".
Badgaway:-
Badgaway derives their Khata from "bahulavana". Krishan-kunda
and temples of Baldeojee and Bahula cow are located
here. The gotra of Badgaway is "Kanta muni".
Charanpahari:-
In Vrindavana area there are 5 hillocks, Gowanrdhan,
Varasatu, Nandishawar, Charanpahari and Dushari Charanpahari.
These small mountains gave the Khata "Charanpahari".
The gotra of "charanpahari" is "Saravesh muni".
Ekghara:-
From the "vatsha-vana", Lord Brahama is reported to
have stolen some calves. Here, Gwal Mandol and Haribole
thirthas are located. It is believed that "Ekghara"
families used to reside in "vatsha-vana". "Chandra
muni" is the gotra of "Ekghara".
Pawanchaudaha:-
The temple of "pawan mohan jee" is located in "mahavan".
Families residing in this area derived the Khata "Pawanchaudaha".
The gotra of "Pawanchaudaha" is "Surya muni".
Aramram
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