Kanphata Jogis
This article is an extract from
THE TRIBES and CASTES of BENGAL. Ethnographic Glossary. Printed at the Bengal Secretariat Press. 1891. . |
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Kanphata Jogis
The comparatively modern sect of Kanphata Jogis, founded by the great Saiva doctor Gorakhnath, possesses an Akhara at Manikganj, endowed by the pious Maharani Bhavani of Nator about A.D. 1750. The land and shrine having been swept away by the river Dhulleswari, a new building was erected inland, but has never flourished on its new site.
The history of the shrine is, that Hari Sri, and Udasi, and Kanu Sri, a Grihi Sannyasi, came from Benares, and obtained from the Maharani a grant of land at Manikganj to found an Akhara. The first Mahant, Hari Sri, was succeeded by a son of Kanu, and it has ever since been the rule to elect a Mahant alternately from these families.
Kanphata Jogis are not necessarily Brahmans, but the Mahants usually belong to some Hindustani Brahmanical tribe. At the initiatory rite the Udasi receives a bamboo whistle three inches long, called Sinha-nath, which is attached to a cord, and used at the beginning of all religious ceremonies, and a rosary consisting of fifty Rudraksha beads, which must be told at least twice daily. The distinctive badge of the sect, however, are the large triangular blue glass or silver earrings adopted after initiation, and from which they derive their singular name of "torn-ears." Udasis bestow the Mantra on all castes, but no one can wear the whistle or earrings unless he becomes an Udasi. The Kanphata Jogis claim as their perquisite the Sanr, or bull, branded with the sacred trident at Sraddhas, and at Manikganj this claim is admitted.
The Grihi Sannyasis, again, as with Vaishnavas, are married men, who, although permitted to wear the ochre-dyed mendicant garb, are generally peasants dressed like their neighbours. It is this class of Jogis, remarkable for their large filigree earrings, who during the cold season wander about Bengal as snake-charmers. They are usually cultivating Goalas from the Doab, who leave their families at home during the annual tour in Bengal.
The principal festival of this sect is the Siv-chaturdasi, or fourteenth day of the waxing moon of Phalgun (Feb.-March), when a great commercial fair is held near the Akhara. Although the traders aud hucksters still resort to it from all parts of Bengal, the Udasis complain that yearly fewer pay their devotions at the shrine, and, what is of greater importance in their eyes, contribute less than formerly to its support. In only one respect has the reputation of the shrine been preserved, and the credulous still talk of the wonderful cures performed by the Mahant.
By blowing a Mantra over a cup of water, the Mahant cures one class of disease; by mixing the ashes of his Ganjha pipe in water the ordinary diseases are got rid of, and by making an amulet of the withered flowers which have stood in the sanctuary of the idol, a certain preservative against a third class of ailments is provided. Should the sick person be able to visit the Sivali, or temple, in person, he is made to crawl on his bllly to the sanctuary, and there lick the dust of the floor, and smear his face with it.
The Kanphata Jogis are Sakta worshippers, consuming enormous quantities of spirits at all religious rites, and in the intervals stupefying themselves with Indian hemp. The drinking vessel is the skull of a Chandal, which is supported on the points of the thumb, forefinger, and little finger of the right hand, while spirits are quaffed from it. An Udasi can drink from the skull with all castes, without it only with Brahmans; but the offer of a bottle of brandy overcomes all scruples, and it is incredible the impunity with which a toper drinks off the whole undiluted.
Although confirmed drunkards, the common people excuse their delinquencies, and are satisfied that they must be holy men because they live in an Akhara, wear the mendicant dress, and affect indifference to worldly feelings and interests.1
