naga vairagin

The term "Naga Vairagin" refers to a specific type of religious ascetic within Hinduism. A vairagin is an ascetic who primarily worships Vishnu. Unlike Shaivite ascetics who wear ochre robes, vairagins typically wear white and use a vertical, non-ash mark on their forehead.

The "Naga" aspect of "Naga Vairagin" signifies that they are "naked" ascetics and are known as the militant faction among Vaishnava ascetics. These naga vairagins form their own groups called akharias. Historically, these groups have engaged in conflicts, particularly during pilgrimage assemblies like the Kumbh Mela, often centered around bathing and processional rights. While nagas in a broader Hindu mythological context are semidivine beings, half-human and half-cobra, in this ascetic context, "naga" specifically denotes their practice of nudity.123