Sadhu (Sanskrit: साधु, IAST: sādhu (male), sādhvī or sādhvīne (female)), also spelled saddhu, is a religious ascetic, mendicant or any holy person in Hinduism and Jainism who has renounced the worldly life. [1][2][3] They are sometimes alternatively …

sadhu and swami, in India, a religious ascetic or holy person. The class of sadhus includes renunciants of many types and faiths. They are sometimes designated by the term swami (Sanskrit svami, “master”), which refers especially to an ascetic who has been initiated into a specific religious order, such as the Ramakrishna Mission.

May 14, 2021 · From the Sanskrit root sadh, which means “make straight,” or “reach one’s goal,” the term sadhu refers to a mendicant, ascetic, or any holy person within Hinduism who has renounced all earthly attachments with the unswerving objective of connecting to the Divine.

The Sadhus of today are remnants of the Sramanic and renunciant traditions of ancient India. They have played a significant role in the evolution and development of India’s religious, spiritual and philosophical systems.

Sadhus and swamis are not Hindu religious officials. Compared with Christianity, they are the counterpart of the hermit monk, not the minister. In fact, it is considered inauspicious (unlucky) for a sadhu to show up at a Hindu wedding, for he represents celibacy and infertility.

Jan 19, 2025 · Naga Sadhus are one of the most mysterious and revered groups of ascetics in Hinduism, known for their deep spiritual dedication to Lord Shiva. Their origins can be traced back to ancient times when sages and seers renounced worldly pleasures and devoted themselves entirely to spiritual pursuits.

Aug 29, 2023 · In holy cities like Varanasi and Kathmandu, some holy men (Sādhus) are quite conspicuous because of their eccentric appearance, which symbolizes their ascetic status and their renunciation of material desires (sannyāsa).

Sadhus traditionally belong to the fourth “ashram” or stage of life, having progressed beyond the stages of student, householder, and beginner renunciate. They may be initiated into sainthood, devoted to a guru, or affiliated to an ashram, sect, or practice.

Discover the mystical lives of Naga Sadhus, their warrior traditions, extreme renunciation, and role in Kumbh Mela. Learn about their Shahi Snan, spiritual practices, and their connection to Lord Shiva.

Aug 27, 2019 · Most Hindu ascetics can be broadly categorized into one of two groups – Shaiva sadhus, who are devotees to deity Lord Shiva, and Vaishnava sadhus, who have dedicated themselves to deity Vishnu. What is the goal of a sadhu?