Jangam

The Jangam (Kannada; ಜಂಗಮರು) or Jangamuru or veerashaiva Jangam a Shaiva order of religious monks. They are the priests (Gurus) of the Hindu Shaiva sect,^[1] Gurus of Veerashaiva sect and are disciples of Shiva as mentioned in Basava Puranas. The meaning of word Jangam is 'moving linga'. Jangama is one who is endowed with true spirit of Agamic knowledge, and has sacrificed his life for giving Samskara (good) character building practices in all sections of the Hindu society.Jangams, a Shaiva order of religious monks and priests of the Hindu Shaiva sect, are not considered part of the traditional chaturvarna (four-varna) system of Hinduism. Jangams are considered to be upper caste and treated as lord shiva themselves and Jangams praised and worshipped by Brahmins also and Jangams are not only Priests but also they are Rishis (Sages),Pandits and Poeters and Writers also.

Jangama is a community who are engaged in professions like priestly hood, religious preachings, some in various kings courts as advisors and some designated positions in various parts of north and south India. Jangams are pure vegetarians and are forbidden to touch any non vegetarian food items, including eggs.Veerashaiva Jangama as known today was popular as Kalamukha Jangama around 8-12th century prior to Veerashaiva movement started in Andhrapradesh, which later extend in Karnataka widely.Jangams are also gurus of Kshatriyas

Jangamas were Rajagurus to many dynasties which include Chola,Hoysala , Chalukya, Vijayanagara.Vijayanagara empire was founded by KRIYASHAKTHI yateeshwara , a Jangama guru of Kalamukha sect.But in Kakatiya dynasty Kings , Queens and Rajagurus were both Kalamukha Jangamas.Kalamukhas were know for their high intellectual ability across various fields. The monasteries of Kalamukhas existed even before Shankaracharya. Some mutts are survived even for today , while many are lost in invasions.

Apart from following surnames, Veerashaiva Jangams surnames also include : Shastry , Vastrad , Aradhya. Some of Veerashaiva Jangam Surnames are:

1.Andelimath

2.Bangarimath

3.Bannurmath

4.Benahalmath

5.Bukkasagaramath

6.Chandargimath

7.Chikkaujjanimath

8.Dhavalagimath

9.Gadgimath

10.Golasangimath

11.Hanjagimath

12.Harthimath

13.Hiremath

14.Hongalmath

15.Kamplimath

16.Kembhavimath

17.Komkalimath

18.Madapurmath

19.Madlurmath

20.Malimath

21.Mathad

22.Mathapathi

23.Nagalotimath

24.Nandimath

25.Nerlaganti

26.Nishanimath

27.Odisomath

28.Paradimath

29.Palkuri

30.Patrimath

31.Puranikmath

32.Salimath

33.Shastrimath

34.Shisambrimath

35.Sirsalmath

36.Sobaradmath

37.Sutturmath

38.Telgimath

39.Ujjainimath

40.Vantmurimath

41.Venkatapuramath

42.Yaravintelimath

43.Yeregamballimath

^ Russell, R. V.; Lal, Hira (1995). The tribes and castes of the central provinces of India, Volume 1. Asian Educational Services. p. 222. ISBN 81-206-0833-X.

[1] Russell, R. V.; Lal, Hira (1995). The tribes and castes of the central provinces of India, Volume 1. Asian Educational Services. p. 222. ISBN 81-206-0833-X.

[1]