Sadhu

A sadhu is a religious ascetic or mendicant found in Hinduism and Jainism. These holy people have chosen to renounce worldly life to focus on spiritual goals. The term comes from the Sanskrit word sādhu, which can mean "good man" or "good woman." It is related to the root sādh, meaning to "reach one's goal" or "master."

This connection explains the practice of sādhanā, which is a path of spiritual discipline. The primary aim for a sadhu is to achieve mokṣa. This is the final stage of life, or aśrama, which brings liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. They seek this through meditation and the contemplation of Brahman.

The lifestyle of a sadhu is defined by simplicity and renunciation, known as sannyāsa. Most sadhus possess very few or no material belongings. Their clothing often symbolizes this choice. In Hinduism, many wear saffron-colored garments. In Jainism, practitioners may wear white or nothing at all.

Many sadhus are homeless and travel long distances to visit temples and pilgrimage centers. They often follow strict rules for collecting alms to avoid bothering local residents. For example, some do not visit the same place on two different days. While celibacy is a common practice, some specific sects engage in consensual tantric sex to view the act as a way to transcend the personal.

There are many different types of sadhus categorized by their devotion. In Hinduism, Shaiva sadhus are devoted to the god Shiva. Vaishnava sadhus follow Vishnu or his avatars, like Rama or Krishna. These Vaishnava practitioners are sometimes called vairagis. There are also Shakta sadhus, who are devoted to Shakti.

Within these groups, many sub-sects exist. These are organized into lineages called sampradayas. Each sampradaya follows an order called a parampara, which is based on the lineage of a founder. Some of these groups even maintain monastic or martial organizations known as akharas.

History provides fascinating examples of these different lineages. The Dashanami Sampradaya is a group within the Smarta Tradition. They are believed to have been formed by the philosopher Adi Shankara in the 8th century CE. Another notable group is the Naga, a subgroup of Shaiva sadhus. These are naked sadhus who are known for carrying weapons like tridents, swords, and spears.

Historically, they functioned as an armed order to protect Hindus from Mughal rulers. Today, they generally follow the principle of non-violence, though some still practice martial arts or wrestling in their retreats, called chhaavni.

Female practitioners are also a vital part of these traditions. In Hinduism and Jainism, a female mendicant is called a sadhvi or sometimes an aryika. In many cases, women who become sadhvis are widows living in secluded ascetic compounds. Some people view these women as manifestations of the Goddess, Devi.

In recent times, several charismatic sadhvis have become famous religious teachers, such as Anandamayi Ma and Mata Amritanandamayi. In Jainism, the monastic structure is very hierarchical. A 2009 publication noted that the Jain monastic community included 6,000 sadhvis, though fewer than 100 belonged to the Digambara tradition.

Jainism features distinct differences between its two main branches. Digambara sadhus follow a strict interpretation of their vows by owning no clothes. This makes them "sky-clad" or naked. In contrast, both Śvetāmbara sadhus and sadhvis wear white clothing.

These practitioners are closely connected to the Jain lay society. They perform murtipuja, which is the worship of Jina idols, and lead various festive rituals. The householders in the community provide the necessary support for these monastic lives.

The significance of sadhus is often seen in large-scale religious gatherings. The most famous event is the Kumbh Mela, which is the largest gathering of humans for a single religious purpose on Earth. This festival occurs every three years at one of four sacred river sites in India.

Notable dates for this event include 2007 in Nasik, 2010 in Haridwar, and 2013 in Allahabad. During these festivals, millions of pilgrims gather to see the sadhus. Some sadhus, such as those who are ash-smeared and naked, participate by bathing in the chilly waters at dawn. This massive reunion brings together sadhus from all different sects.