Jangama refers to a Shaiva order of religious monks and priests who are followers of Lord Shiva. ​The term ‘Jangama’ means ‘moving linga’ and symbolises those who move and preach religious teachings. ​They are not part of the traditional Hindu caste system but are considered a high class of brahmins within the Veerashaiva (Lingayat) sect. ​They were originally Vedic Shaiva brahmins and became priests of the Lingayat faith in the 12th century. ​They claim to have originated from Shiva’s body, created to spread religious teachings and perform rituals. Jangamas have been influential in history, serving as priests and advisors to kings and receiving land grants from rulers like Akbar, Jahangir, and Aurangzeb.

Jangamas wear an Ishtalinga (a symbolic representation of Shiva) around their necks and worship it daily. ​They follow a strict vegetarian diet and perform rituals such as marriage and funeral rites. ​They practise Jangama dhyana, a meditation technique focusing on the eternal existence of the self. ​They are known for their religious dances and music, such as the Jangama dance, Veeragase dance, and Burra katha or Jangama Katha, which narrate stories of Shiva and Parvati. ​They celebrate festivals like Shivaratri, Deepavali, and Ugadi. ​

The Jangama community is spread across India, with significant populations in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and other states. ​ They are also present in Nepal. ​They have established mathas (monasteries) in places such as Uttar Pradesh and Nepal. ​They are known by different names in various regions, such as Jangama Ayya in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, Jangama Jogi in Haryana, and Jangama Veerashaiva Pandaram in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. ​

In Matha traditions, the following hierarchy is found among the Jangamas: