Veerashaiva Jangam Caste history,population culture,Famous personalities and more

Veerashaiva Jangama Caste is considered as the socially upper caste who are basically a priest class in hinduism and Veerashaivism and Lingayat sects. The Jangamas of the Veerashaiva ( Jangammayya or Jangammayya garu in Telugu states, Jangamuru in Karnataka and Maharastra have a history of working in temples as priests, Astrologers, Raj Gurus to various kings in the history. They are seen as Priests at Many Shiva , veerabhadra swamy,, Hanuman and Ganesh temples across Telangana , Andhra pradesh, Karnataka , Maharastra . They are also the traditional priests at Jyothirling Srisailam in Andhra pradesh and also the priests of Kedarnath temple. Veerashaiva Jangam Caste history, class, spirituality, eating habits , customs and traditions etc are narrated here :

Veerashaiva Jangam Caste history

Veerashaiva Jangamas history is not documented in puranas much as Jangamas are considered as the only competitors of the Brahmins. The Veerashaiva community of today is a mix of Ancient Jangamas and the Brahmins ( who converted to Veerashaivism due to its success and influencing kings and dynasties and some being attracted to the preachings of the Great Basaveshwara who himself was born in to brahmin caste family ).

Types of Veershaiva Jangamas

There are different sub classes with in the Veerashaiva Jangama community which dictates their duty with in the community.

1. Mutt heads ( Matadhipathis ) : These are the clans who are eligible to head the mutts. The Vibhoothi mutt, Hiremath, Sidda linga mutt, murugha mutt etc… These are considered as the highest of the community as they head the mutts.
2. Madapathi : Matpathi or madapthi are the sect who are involved in priest class work and they perorm rituals at the Shiva and shaivate related temples.
3. Sukhabhasti and others : These are the common class of Jangamas who are often involved in different occupations such as Weavers, merchants, business men etc… However, there is no barrier for them to become priests.

Surnames of Mutt heads are generally the Hiremath , ( in karnataka ) , Mottom, Matham etc..

Are veerashaiva Jangama Brahmins ?

Veerashaiva Jangamas are the Linga Brahmins who enjoyed the top social status in the history . However due to being the worshippers of shiva and the simple life style and the influence of Lingayathism by Basaveshwara, and also because of the Islamic invasions in their dominated regions like Karnataka, maharastra and telangana ,they become economically weaker in certain parts.

However, the Veerashaiva Jangamas enjoy the upper middle class status in most of the karnataka regions.

Veerashaiva Jangamas has a history of Brahmins mixing in their cult like Palkuriki Somanatha Kavi ( Popular Dwipada kavya Kavi in telugu, kannada and modern sanskrit , Basaveshwara etc ) they are often called Linga Brahmins.