Sadhus—marked by saffron robes, matted hair, or ash—embody detachment and the search for truth. They belong to various orders (like Shaiva or Vaishnava) and may practice yoga, meditation, or devotion. In poetry, sadhus appear as wise wanderers, eccentric saints, or silent sages whose presence radiates peace. Poets use them to contrast worldly ambition with spiritual freedom, showing that true wealth lies in inner stillness and surrender to the divine will.

A Sadhu is a Hindu ascetic or renunciant (Sannyasi) who has renounced all material possessions and social ties to focus entirely on achieving Moksha (liberation). They are often wandering mendicants, easily identified by their ochre robes. They dedicate their lives to meditation, study of scriptures, and devotion. They represent the ideal of spiritual pursuit over worldly ambition and are often revered for their wisdom and detachment.