The Jangam or Jangamuru or veerashaiva Jangam a Shaiva order of religious monks. They are the priests (Gurus) of the Veerashaiva or Lingayatism, and are disciples of Shiva as mentioned in Basava Puranas. Jangamas were originally Vedic Shaiva Brahmins, from the same background as Basavanna, who is also identified as a Shaiva Brahmin. In the 12th century, these Brahmins became priests of the emerging Lingayat faith, and over time this Brahmins become known as Jangamas.

The meaning of word Jangam is 'moving linga'. Jangama is one who is endowed with true spirit of Agamic knowledge, and has sacrificed his life for giving Samskara (good) character building practices in all sections of the Hindu society. Jangams, a Shaiva order of religious monks and priests of the Hindu Shaiva sect, are not considered part of the traditional chaturvarna (four-varna) system of Hinduism. Jangams are also known as Jangam Brahmins (belonging to the Jangam Shaiva sect and who are the highest class Brahmins) perform the duties of priests of Shivalinga, and treated as lord shiva themselves and Jangams praised and worshipped by Brahmins also and Jangams are not only Priests but also they are Rishis (Sages), Pandits and Poeters and Writers also.Jangamas mostly until 1900s did not inter marry with other Lingayaths (there may be some exceptions) as they were considered pure lines compared to other Lingayaths who were converts from other casts.

When the British classified Lingayaths as Shudras, a category of Jangamas known as Aradhyas protested against this as they were considered equal to Brahmins; in fact, they claimed to be better than Brahmins as most of the mainstream Brahmins were considered low class before Acharyas like Madhva, Ramanuja and Shankara.^{[citation needed]}

In fact even to this day most Madhva Brahmins consider all other Brahmins as inferior. Vaishnava Brahmins consider Srivaishnava Brahmins as inferior and most of them do not consider Saraswats as Brahmins.

Aradhya Jangamas even went to Bombay high court regarding this and the court ruled that all Jangamas (Aradhyas and others) must be classified under Brahmins and to be listed as Linga Brahmins in census.

When Brahmins of Hydrabad opposed Aradhya Jangamas being priests in temples, they went to Nizam of Hyderabad and a Shastrartha (religious debate) was set up to conclude the issue. After Shastrartha they had to accept Aradhya Jangamas as priests and the Nizam of Hydrabad restored the rights of Aradhya Jangamas.

However Brahmin community agreed to consider Aradhya Jangamas as Brahmins (precisely as Veerashaiva Aradhya Brahmins), if they did not associate themselves with other Lingayaths (who were converts during the time of Basava and later). By the time all these negotiations happened, tides changed and people moved forward abandoning all caste based distinction. Thus the movement lost its momentum.

Jangama is a community who are engaged in professions like priestly hood, religious preachings, some in various kings courts as advisors and some designated positions in various parts of north and south India. Jangams are pure vegetarians and are forbidden to touch any non vegetarian food items, including eggs.Veerashaiva Jangama as known today was popular as Kalamukha Jangama around 8-12th century prior to Veerashaiva movement started in Andhra pradesh, which later extend in Karnataka widely. Jangams are also gurus of Kshatriyas