The simple meaning of Parivrajaka in Hinduism is forest dweller or wandering ascetic. The term is of great importance as the Hindu who leaves his or her home for the sake of god realization is referred to as Parivrajaka.
Parivrajaka is a life style wherein the seeker forsakes attachments in spiritual pursuits on his own.
Today, Parivrajaka is more commonly associated with Buddhism. But this kind of leading a life of solitude for self realization came into existence far before the origin of Buddhism.
The original Parivrajakas were without family bondage and so roamed about seeking contact with different thinkers. They followed the discourse of philosophers and discussed matters of ethics, philosophy, and mystic.
Sometimes they lived with their preceptors before moving on to the next stage.
Many Parivrajaka lived alone and did not recognize the institution of any master. They pursued knowledge on their own.
These Pravrajakas of ancient times did not organize themselves into any institution of later times and so were not governed by any rulers or ideals.
Any person, without attaching oneself to any particular sect, or group, can become a parivrajaka.