Brahmin Mahant in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Brahmin Mahant |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 33,000 |
| World Population: | 33,000 |
| Primary Language: | Mandeali |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Forward Caste - Brahmin |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Mahant name means one who owns a temple and has renounced the world. They live in Himachal Pradesh and speak Mandeali and Hindi.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Mahant are monogamous and marriage is by discussion. There is little divorce among them. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property. The women have a respectable place among them. They make their living from the temples. They are vegetarians.
Their children however prefer other work such as for the government or private work. The Mahant believe in education and they make a point of getting their children educated.
What Are Their Beliefs?
In some cases, Brahmin subgroups are defined by their theological distinctions such as Madhva Brahmins, who are defined by their dualist theology, though everyone does not actually hold those beliefs. However, many Brahmin castes are made up of people who adhere to all the various philosophical and theological options espoused by modern Hindus, including hard core secularists and atheists. One can never predict what an individual Brahmin might believe or disbelieve!
But most Brahmins respect the ancient (and many not-so-ancient) traditions of their forefathers. Some work to synthesize modern science and Hindu beliefs and practices. Few today have seriously studied, let alone memorized, the ancient Vedas; but one is more likely to find a person knowledgeable about the Vedas and other Hindu texts and teachings among Brahmins than among any non-Brahmin caste group.
What Are Their Needs?
Mahant Brahmins as an influential and generally well-to-do community are not unlike the middle classes of most places. Their main needs involve relational strains that are usually kept behind closed doors. Modernization is breaking down family units which have been the glue to society for many generations, and loneliness is increasingly a problem. They are expected to "achieve it all," but ironically, achieving it all can be empty.
Prayer Points
Pray that God gives them dreams and visions leading the Mahant Brahmins to Jesus Christ.
Pray that their leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead others to Him.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out the right ambassadors to this Brahmin subgroup.