Jangam

rdf:langString Jangam

rdf:langString The Jangam or Jangamaru (ಜಂಗಮರು) are a Shaiva order of religious monks. They are the priests or gurus of the Hindu Shaiva sect. Jangamas are also gurus of Veerashaiva' sectJangamas are disciples of Lord Shiva as mentioned in Basava Puranas. A visit of a jangam to a house is treated as the visit of Lord Shiva himself and the jangam shall be given good alms and the jangam blesses the natives. The Jangam is the wandering holy man in Virashaivism. The meaning of word Jangam is 'moving linga' and considered superioir to 'sthira linga'.Jangama is one who is endowed with true spirit of Agamic knowledge, and has sacrificed his life for giving Samskara or good character building practices in all sections of the society including all Sudra castes without any discrimination. Jangama is a community which has people who are engaged in professions like priestly hood, religious preachings and some in various kings courts as advisors and some designated positions in various parts of India, mostly in southern India.Priests who make poojas to lord mallikarjuna in srisailam & Varanasi belong to verrashaiva Jangam community.