Mahant

Mahant () is a religious superior, in particular the chief priest of a temple or the head of a monastery in Indian religions. Mahant title is used by Bairagi Kings of Chhuikhadan & Nandgaon States. Mahant is also the Surname of Bairagis.
Etymology.
The Hindi word comes from Prakrit , Sanskrit (accusative case: ) meaning "great".
Hinduism.
Other titles for the word "Mahant", serving in the context of a well known religious place, include priest or pundit—generally always being a gyani or pastor.
In other branches of Hinduism, the mahant is an ascetic who is the head and leader of the temple and has religious responsibilities as a preacher. Mahant is used by Bairagis & Goswamis.
Sikhism.
In Sikh history, the mahants were the hereditary managers who controlled and held the door keys of Sikh gurdwaras. After the creation of the SGPC and the Nankana massacre involving Mahant Narayan Das, a law was passed handing over gurdwaras to reformer Sikhs.