Veerabhadreeya (Viramushti) in India

People Name:	Veerabhadreeya (Viramushti)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	50,000
World Population:	50,000
Primary Language:	Telugu
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The traditional work of the Veeramushti is related to acrobatics. Most of them are day laborers now.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They have a nomadic lifestyle and a low literacy level, so the gospel will need to be given in oral form. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son taking charge of the home. The dead are buried in a sitting position. The Veeramushti have cousin marriages. Divorce and remarriage are allowed but they have to get permission from the elders. They have a council of elders to look after their needs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Veeramushti people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

What Are Their Needs?

The Veeramushti people need the abundant life that only Jesus offers.

Prayer Points

Pray that the council leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead their people into a movement to Christ. Pray for spiritual discernment and an openness to Christ. Pray for them to rise above poverty.