Mahant

A mahant /məˈhʌnt/ is a religious superior, in particular the chief priest of a temple or the head of a monastery.^[1]

Etymology

The Hindi word mahant is from Prakrit mahanta-, from Sanskrit mahat "great".^[2]

Hinduism

Other titles for the word Mahant, serving in the context of a well known religious place, include priest or pundit, being generally always a Brahmin, gyani or pastor.

In other branches of Hinduism, the mahant is an ascetic who is the head and leader of the temple and has religious Also known as Satnami's responsibilities as a preacher.^[3]

Sikhism

Among Sikhs, mahants stood for hereditary managers who controlled Sikh gurdwaras until the formation of SGPC in 1920s and after Saka Nankana Sahib Massacre the keys were handed to Sikhs.^[4]

Secular use

In Chhuikhadan State, the Mahants were the rulers of the princely state.

Notes

^ New Oxford American Dictionary (2nd ed., 2005), p. 1020.
^ Webster's Third New International Dictionary, p. 1361.
^ Raymond Brady Williams (2001). An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. Cambridge University Press. p. 239. ISBN 052165422X.
^ Mahant

External links

SGPC Glossary, "Mahant."
WorldStatesmen India - princely States A-J

[1] New Oxford American Dictionary (2nd ed., 2005), p. 1020.

[2] Webster's Third New International Dictionary, p. 1361.

[3] Raymond Brady Williams (2001). An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. Cambridge University Press. p. 239. ISBN 052165422X.

[4] Mahant

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