Two Jangam gurus - Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage) - Kashmir

The Jangam priests wear a very distinctive turban with a metal Naga snake and a plume-like or peacock feather on the top, which is a symbol of Vidya[gyan]. Vidya is a Sanskrit word that means “knowledge,” “clarity” or “higher learning.”

The Jangam or Jangamaru are a Shaiva order of religious monks. They are the priests or gurus of the Hindu Shaiva sect. Jangamas are also gurus of Veerashaiva sect. Jangamas are disciples of Lord Shiva as mentioned in Basava Puranas.

Jangams are very popular in Old Punjab. They are a non-Brahman Shaivite Order. Jangama is derived from the movable emblem of Lord Shiva. The meaning of word Jangam is 'moving linga' and considered superior to 'sthira linga'.

Regarding their birth the common myth is that they were born on their own out of the loins of Shiva. They are living in Haryana particularly in and around Kurukshetra. Earlier Punjab and Haryana had no division. Kurukshetra was the main center of Pasupati Shivaism.

More info about the Jangam Shaiva order:

- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jangam

- Jangams- The Religious Folk Singers of Old Punjab

For more photos and information about the Amarnath Cave, read the album description.