Introduction / History

A Mahanta can be the keeper or guardian for a holy site for Hindus or Sikhs. The Mahanta are members of the Kshatriya caste, the second highest caste of Hinduism. The Kshatriya are descendants of rulers, large landowners, military officers and royal officials.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today the Mahanta are employed in a great variety of professions. Those who are educated serve as physicians, politicians, government administrators, businesspeople and entertainers. Less educated Mahanta labor in the fields and work in factories. The Mahanta marry within their caste, as elders arrange these marriages. The bride often goes to live with the groom's family when she reaches puberty. Child marriages are becoming less common than they were in the past.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mahanta people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all term for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

Hindu peoples with high status are very reluctant to accept Christ for several reasons. They would be expected to associate with existing Christians, who are usually from a modest background. It can easily mean they lose their high status.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Mahantas to be adopted through the People Group Adoption program leading to regular prayer and faithful outreach.
There are many gospel materials in their primary languages. Pray for these to become easily available.
Pray for a movement of Mahanta households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for the Mahanta to understand and embrace Jesus who wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for teams of believers to commit towards sustained, focused prayer for the Lord to open the hearts of Mahanta family leaders.

References

Scripture Prayers for the Mahanta in India.