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Jangamas

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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Jangling, Vain

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a Hindu sect, the essential characteristic of which is wearing the Lingam (q.v.), or symbol of creative production on some part of the dress or person. The type is of small size, made of copper or silver, and is commonly worn suspended in a case round the neck, or sometimes tied in the turban. In common with the worshippers of Siva generally, the Jangamas smear their foreheads with ashes, wear necklaces, and carry rosaries made of the Rudraksha seed. The clerical members of the sect usually stain their garments with red ochre. They are not numerous in Upper India; but in the south of India the Jangamas, or Lingayets, as they are often called, are very numerous, and the officiating priests of Siva are commonly of this sect. They are also represented as being very numerous in the Deccan. Besides the Jangama priests of Kedarnath, a wealthy establishment of them exists at Benares.