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Definition Of Sadhu In Hinduism

The definition of word Sadhu in Hinduism is ‘wise, discreet, pious and judicious’. The word has other connotations as well. One who performs his duties as per dharma is called a sadhu (sadhayati dharmadikaryamiti). One who get another’s work done meaningfully is also known as a sadhu (sadhnoti parakaryaniti).

According to Garuda Purana, one who is not overwhelmed by joy when receiving honors nor enraged when humiliated is a sadhu. He never utters harsh words even when he is harassed.

According to Brahmanda Purana, a sadhu is an incarnation of Shiva. A story regarding this goes as follows – The Mountain Himalaya and his son Mainaka began severe penance. Then the Gods and the sages felt that there would be a calamity if the mountains obtained salvation. They went to Shiva to seek a remedy. Shiva, in the disguise of a Brahmin named sadhu, went to the mountains and told them tales that denigrated Mahadev Shiva. At this, the mountains got diverted from their devotion to Shiva and lost the power of their penance.