In
Hinduism, a
sādhu (
Sanskrit , "good; good man, holy man") is a religious
ascetic or holy person. Although the vast majority of sādhus are
yogīs, not all yogīs are sādhus. The sādhu is solely dedicated to achieving
mokṣa (liberation), the fourth and final
aśrama (stage of life), through meditation and contemplation of
Brahman. Sādhus often wear
saffron-coloured clothing, symbolising their
sannyāsa (renunciation). This way of life is open to women; the female form of the word is
sādhvī. In 2014, an all-female
akhada (group of sadhus) was formed; it is believed to be the first such group in India.