Satani in India

People Name:	Satani
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	489,000
World Population:	489,000
Primary Language:	Telugu
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Satani were described in the 1871 census as religious beggars, priests of inferior temples, and sellers of flowers used for offerings. Higher castes reportedly excommunicated them because of their supposedly inferior status.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some still pursue their traditional vocation of serving as temple priests or as servants attached to temples as well as that of sacred specialists.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They belong to the Vaishnava sect of Hinduism and follow the teachings of Ramanuja. Sacred specialists from their own community perform all the religious rites. The Satani worship Vishnu, Lakshmi and regional deities. There are no known followers of Jesus Christ yet among the Satani people group, although there may be believers who have not made themselves known to outsiders.

What Are Their Needs?

A Hindu who accepts and follows Christ is likely to experience much disfavor and even hostility. Loss of friendships and status in the community is likely, and very difficult to deal with. They need the spiritual strength that will allow them to embrace Christ no matter what the cost.

Prayer Points

Pray for the youth of this people group to discover good Christian resources through internet, radio and television. Pray they would be drawn to listen to, view and read these resources, and would be given spiritual understanding. Pray for any secret believers, and for others who will one day come to saving faith. Pray they would be given a longing to know the one, true God.