Bihangam

Bihangam, from the Sanskrit word v(b)ihang (bird), is a term applied to wandering ascetics who lead a life of complete detachment. A Bihangam is a celebate who lives in poverty renouncing all worldly ties and follows the path of holiness. In the Hindu tradition, he, abjuring religious dogma, worships Siva, Vishnu or his avatars.

The term is also used among Sikhs, for holy men who do not marry and shun worldly ambition and temptation. Their object of their devotion is the One Supreme Being. They recite gurbani, the Sikh canon, and devote themselves to naam and Seva. They do not form any separate sect; in fact, the most unworldly of the followers of different orders give themselves this name. For instance, several of the Nirmala Sikhs take pride in calling themselves Bihangams. They wear white and, instead of learned study of the holy texts as is customary with the Nirmalas, they occupy themselves with humbler deeds of service. Their most popular centre is at Mastuana, near Sangrur, in the Punjab. They have a different interpret of the word bihangam, saying it is akin to hangata, from Skt. aham = ahanta, meaning not having ego or pride, thus a Bihangam is one who having given up ego and pride follows the path of humility.

References

1. Rose, H.A., A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province. Patiala, 1970

2. The Census Reports.