sadhu

A sadhu is a holy man or ascetic in Hinduism, and also a term used for Jain mendicants, who have renounced ordinary life to pursue spiritual aims. Sadhus may wander from place to place or reside in temples, ashrams, or forest hermitages. They typically renounce attachment to family, property, and social status, and many take vows of celibacy and non-attachment while dedicating themselves to meditation, study, and various spiritual disciplines.

Appearance and practices vary widely. Many sadhus wear saffron or ochre robes and smear their bodies with ash (vibhuti) as a symbol of renunciation. They may have long matted hair (jatā) and carry a staff or other simple belongings. A subset, known as Naga sadhus, are often naked and may adorn themselves with ritual markings and weapons. Sadhus rely largely on alms and patronage from followers and pilgrims, and they may live alone, in groups, or at religious centers.

Organization-wise, sadhus are often associated with monastic orders called akharas, which coordinate activities, processions, and participation in major festivals such as the Kumbh Mela. They can belong to various Hindu traditions, including Shaivism and Vaishnavism, or to Jain renunciant traditions that emphasize ahimsa and ascetic discipline.

Life as a sadhu emphasizes withdrawal from worldly life and pursuit of spiritual goals through practices such as tapas (austerities), meditation, ritual worship, and devotional or scriptural study. While revered as spiritual guides by many, sadhus also appear in diverse contexts and reputations, reflecting a broad spectrum of ascetic paths within South Asian religious life.