Dasnami Dandis

(ten-named Dandis). among the Hindus, are the primitive members of the order of Dandis (q.v.), who refer their origin to Saukara Achfryav (q.v.). There were ten classes of mendicants descended; from this remarkable man, only three of whom have so far retained their purity as to entitle them to be called Sailkara's Dandis. They are numerous, especially in and about Benares; and to these the chief Vedanti writers belong. The remaining members of the Dasnami class, who have degenerated from the original purity of practice which distinguished the primitive Dandis, are still religious characters, only they have given tIp the use of clothes, money, and ornaments; they prepare their own food, and admit members from any order of Hindus, whereas the original Dandis admit only Brahmins.