Sadhus of India
shadhu is a common term for a mystic, an ascetic, practitioner of yoga and/or wandering monks. The sadhu is solely dedicated to achieving the fourth and final Hindu goal of life, moksha , through meditation and contemplation of Brahman. Sadhus often wear ochre-colored clothing, symbolizing renunciation.
There are 4 or 5 million sadhus in India today and they are widely respected: revered for their holiness, sometimes feared for their curses. It is also thought that the austere practices of the sadhus help to burn off their karma and that of the community at large. Thus seen as benefiting society, sadhus are supported by donations from many people. However, reverence of sadhus is by no means universal in India.
even GOD needs a break after all we mere mortals have created a mess out of his creation.
A sadhu relaxing on the bank of river Ganga.
In Hinduism, sadhu is a common term for an ascetic or practitioner of yoga (yogi) who has given up pursuit of the first three Hindu goals of life: kama (enjoyment), artha (practical objectives) and even dharma (duty). The sadhu is solely dedicated to achieving moksha (liberation) through meditation and contemplation of God. Sadhus often wear ochre-colored clothing, symbolizing renunciation.
Sadhus are Hindu Holy Men who make the pilgrimage to Muktinath Temple on foot, sometimes all the way from Southern India.
A sadhu at Vashista Ashram in Guwahati, Assam, India.
