Attend Kumbh Mela, a sadhu gathering that occurs approximately every 4 years at various sites on the Ganges, India's holy river. Not for faint-hearted visitors, Kumbh Mela is an enormous gathering of every self-proclaimed holy man and woman. Activities include self-burials (see Resources below).
Visit Shankaracharya of Kanchi, who are orthodox Brahmins. Living in monasteries, these monks do not wander without home and food. They also are politically active and influential. These activities seem to be antithetical to the sadhu ideal. A monastery is located in Shringeri, near New Delhi.
Locate Shaiva Siddhanta of Tamil Nadhu in South India. Shaivites, Dancing Shiva, also called Nataraja is their focus and they recite the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" in prayer.
Visit the sacred Ganges to witness the essential Hindu sadhu, the Naga Babas. With dirty, matted hair and wild-eyes (and often stoned on marijuana), Naga Babas can be found wandering along the Ganges or sitting along the roadways. Naga Babas live in the open or under canvas covers. Opponents of Muslim and, later, British rule, Naga Babas are known to be warriors against oppression. If you are looking for the real thing, the final stage of Hindu life as taught in the Vedas, find the Naga Babas.
