Daśanāmī Sannyasi

The Dashanami Sannyasi are Hindu ascetics belonging to one of ten orders established by the philosopher Shankara in the 8th century CE. These orders, each with a unique name, are associated with four monasteries founded by Shankara across India. Dashanami Sannyasis typically wear ochre robes, carry tiger or leopard skins, and mark their bodies with ash from cremation fires. They are known for their dedication to meditation and the pursuit of self-knowledge, aiming to realize the identity of their inner self (atman) with the Absolute (brahman). While some Dashanami Sannyasis, known as Naga Sannyasis, practice extreme asceticism and can be militant, the core purpose of their monastic life is spiritual realization rather than social service.12