Semwal

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Semwal is a subcaste of the Sarola Brahmin community from Uttarakhand, India. They are the main custodians and priests of the Gangotri temple. The name Semwal is believed to come from Sem-Mukhem, a place in Uttarakhand that hosts the Sem-Mukhem Nagraj shrine; locals often see it as the fifth shrine of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage, and the Semwals have traditionally served there as priests. Another possible origin for the name is Sem village in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district.