Kanphata

Kanphata, from Sanskrit kaṇ (ear) + phata (pierced), refers to a group of Hindu ascetics who are distinguished by ear piercing and the wearing of large earrings or rings. The term is usually used for the Kanphata yogis, a subset of the broader Nath tradition of yogis and renunciants in northern India. Their exact origins are not clearly documented; they are mentioned in medieval and early modern hagiographies and travel writings as part of the diverse landscape of Hindu ascetic orders.

Typical practice includes initiation into a lineage that involves piercing the earlobes—often by peers or traditional barbers—and then maintaining large metal rings that pass through the lobes. In daily life they typically renounce domestic life, depend on alms, and travel as mendicants or instructors. Their spiritual discipline commonly emphasizes hatha yoga, breath control (pranayama), meditation, and mantra recitation, often within the broader tantric and Nath-inspired streams. They dress plainly, with ash on the body, matted hair, and simple robes; some carry a staff.

Kanphata yogis function as itinerant teachers and guides within local Hindu communities, and their distinctive ear ornaments serve as a visible sign of renunciation and spiritual authority. Modern presence varies by region, with some communities maintaining the tradition, while others have integrated with broader ascetic networks. The phenomenon remains a subject of scholarly study regarding the diversity of renunciant practices in South Asia.