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[edit] Jagat

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A sept of Gonds in Chota Nagpur.

[edit] Notes

This, perhaps the most excellent of all the Vaishnava sects, derives its name from the Sanskrit Jagat, the world, and Mohana, a title of Krishna, signifying the fascinator, or cynosure.

The founder, Jagat Mohan, appeared as a teacher at Mashulia, a village of Silhet, about two hundred years ago. He was worshipped as an incarnation of Vishnu, and it is believed that he never tasted of death. On his translation from this world his mantle descended in turn on Govinda Gosvami, Santa Gosvami, and Ram Krishna Gosvami, the greatest of them all, whose Samadhi, or tomb, is the principal object in the large Akhara at Baithalang in Silhet, where the head-quarters of the sect are located. Of this Gosain many wonderful stories are told.

For instance, he obtained anything he desired by merely wishing for it, and his credulous followers believe that by prostrating themselves before his pattens (Kharaun), preserved at this shrine, their wishes will be fulfilled. Facing each Akhara of this sect a mat hut stands, where visitors perform Bhajana, or adoration, every evening, while inside is a "Chaudol," or cabinet, containing a pair of pattens. The Baithalang Akhara is richly endowed, and often hundreds of pilgrims are fed at it in a single day.

This body is very numerous in Silhet, less so in Mymensingh, and in Dacca it is calculated that not more than fifty families belong to it. There is one Akhara in the quarter of the city called Faridabad, and another at Tal-tola in Bikrampur.

It is asserted that throughout Bengal the society possesses three hundred and sixty Akharas, each having a Mahant, or leader, and a Pujari, or officiating priest. These offices may be filled by persons of any caste, there being a tradition that Ram Krishna Gosvami was a fisherman. Women are not permitted to reside within an Akhara, and should any immorality be proved against one of the brethren, he is admonished; should he repeat the offence he is summarily expelled.

In the Akharas, Kirttan, or religious songs, in praise of Krishna, very rarely of Radha, are chaunted seven times a day, and twice at night.

As with other Vaishnava sects, there are two ranks, namely the Grihi and Vairagi, the former living at their homes, and working as other men; the latter wandering about the country as beggars. Women receive tbe Mantra, as well as the men; but not the Bhek. Hindus of all classes join the association, but Christians and Muhammadans are disqualified.

The Mahants are more earnest, and more watchful over the welfare of their flocks than is usually the case, and every year make visitations throughout their dioceses. No fixed sum is levied from a novice, but if rich he is expected to contribute something to the Akhara. In Silhet, moreover, it is customary to present a share of the first-fruits to the nearest shrine, and bequeath money for its support.

The Vairagi is forbidden to eat fish or flesh; to smoke Ganjha or tobacco; or to drink spirits.

After death corpses are usually cast into a river, never burned, and it is only when a dying Mahant expresses a wish to be buried, that a Samadhi is constructed. While in articulo the body is lowered into the grave, as it is thought lucky for him to die where he is to rest.

The bodies and faces of members of this sect are marked with twelve or more sectarial devices. Two parallel lines are drawn with sandal-wood paste from the crown of the head, or from the roots of the front hair, to the tip of the noses where they meet and form a loop; a spot is put on the last rib on each side, at the top of the sternum, on each arm, and on the lobes of the ears. Their dress is noways peculiar. The fore part of the head is closely shaven, while the back, from which a long cue depends, is left untouched. Many also so wear round the neck a double fold of red tape received at Jagannath.

The residents of Akharas are forbidden to beg, but thankfully accept any charity offered them. On no account can they absent themselves unless summoned to visit a sick, or penitent, disciple.

Very little can be ascertained regarding the tenets of the Jagat Mohani Vaishnanas, but even their enemies admit that their lives are exemplary and moral. The Mahant at Dacca is a quiet, unassuming youth, with no hypocritical pretensions to sanctity, as is too often the case with Hindu cenobites.