Dashami Sanyasi (दशनामी सन्यासी): The Ten-Named Hindu Monastic Tradition

Dashami Sanyasi (दशनामी सन्यासी) is one of the significant Hindu religious-cultural groups that follow the monastic tradition established by Adi Shankaracharya. A portion of these Sanyasis also resides in Nepal. The term “Dashami” comes from “Dash” (दश), meaning “ten” in Sanskrit and Nepali, signifying the ten monastic surnames (Gotras) assigned to different groups within this tradition.

This tradition belongs to the Ekadandi Sannyasa order, primarily associated with the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. The Dasnami Sanyasis differ from other monastic traditions such as Vaishnava Sanyasis and Tridandi Sanyasis, with unique practices and renunciatory paths.

Origins and History

Role of Adi Shankaracharya in Organizing Dasnami Sanyasis

Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 AD) played a crucial role in uniting various monastic groups under a structured system. Before him, Hindu monasticism existed but was not systematically organized. He consolidated and classified the Ekadandi Sanyasis (monks carrying a single staff, symbolizing Advaita or non-duality) into ten distinct groups. This was done to provide a structured approach to the propagation of Advaita Vedanta, Hindu philosophical teachings, and spiritual discipline.

While these ten groups were originally under Shankaracharya’s organization, over time, several sects evolved independently, adapting regional customs and beliefs.

Ten Surnames (Dasha-Nama) of Dashami Sanyasis

Each monastic group follows a particular lifestyle and philosophical inclination. The ten traditional surnames assigned to Dasnami monks are:

1. Giri (गिरी) – Meaning “mountain peak,” symbolizing spiritual ascension.
2. Puri (पुरी) – Meaning “town” or “settlement,” often associated with monastic settlements.
3. Bharati (भारती) – Named after the Goddess Saraswati, representing wisdom and learning.
4. Ban/Van (बन) – Meaning “forest,” signifying detachment from worldly life.
5. Tirtha (तीर्थ) – Meaning “pilgrimage site,” symbolizing purity and sacred travel.
6. Parvat (पर्वत) – Meaning “mountain,” representing steadfastness and endurance.
7. Sagar (सागर) – Meaning “ocean,” symbolizing depth of knowledge and wisdom.
8. Saraswati (सरस्वती) – Named after the goddess of learning, emphasizing intellectual pursuits.
9. Aashram (आश्रम) – Meaning “hermitage,” indicating a monastic retreat.
10. Aranya (आरण्य) – Meaning “forest,” emphasizing solitude and meditation.

These surnames not only serve as monastic identities but also reflect different aspects of spiritual pursuit and geographical symbolism within Hinduism.

Philosophical Background

Vedanta and Advaita Philosophy

The Dasnami Sanyasi order is deeply rooted in Vedanta (वेदान्त), particularly the Advaita Vedanta school, which emphasizes non-duality (अद्वैत)—the idea that the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same.

The fundamental texts that shape Vedanta philosophy include:

1. Upanishads (उपनिषद्) – Mystical scriptures that discuss the nature of reality.
2. Brahma Sutras (ब्रह्म सूत्र) – Systematic teachings on Vedanta philosophy.
3. Bhagavad Gita (श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता) – A spiritual and philosophical dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna.

Although Advaita Vedanta was developed before Adi Shankaracharya, he played a key role in systematizing and popularizing its teachings. He traveled across India debating scholars and reviving Hindu philosophy.

Dashami Sanyasi and the Four Monastic Centers (Mathas)

Adi Shankaracharya established four major monastic centers (Mathas) across India to uphold the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. Each Matha was assigned specific Dashanami sects.

1. Govardhana Matha (Jagannath Puri, Odisha – East India)

   • Assigned: Ban (बन), Aranya (आरण्य)
   • Associated Element: Water
   • Vedic Text: Rigveda

2. Dwaraka Pitha (Dwaraka, Gujarat – West India)

   • Assigned: Tirtha (तीर्थ), Aashram (आश्रम)
   • Associated Element: Fire
   • Vedic Text: Samaveda

3. Jyotirmath Pitha (Badrinath, Uttarakhand – North India)

   • Assigned: Giri (गिरी), Parvat (पर्वत), Sagar (सागर)
   • Associated Element: Air
   • Vedic Text: Atharvaveda

4. Sringeri Sharada Peetha (Chikkamagalur, Karnataka – South India)

   • Assigned: Puri (पुरी), Saraswati (सरस्वती), Bharathi (भारती)
   • Associated Element: Earth
   • Vedic Text: Yajurveda

Each Matha is headed by a Shankaracharya, who continues to guide monastic and philosophical traditions in that region.

Gotras of Dashami Sanyasis

Each of the ten Dasnami groups is associated with a specific Gotra (lineage):

• Puri, Saraswati, Bharati → Bhaveswa Gotra
• Tirtha, Ashram → Adhigata Gotra
• Ban, Aranya → Kashyap Gotra
• Giri, Parvat, Sagar → Bhrigu Gotra

These Gotras were historically significant in maintaining monastic discipline and ensuring continuity in tradition.

Differences Between Ekadandi and Tridandi Sanyasis

• Ekadandi Sanyasis (दशनामी संन्यासी)

  • Follow Advaita Vedanta (non-duality).
  • Carry a single staff (Ekadanda).
  • Renounce the sacred thread (Janai) after initiation.
  • Can be from any caste or background.

• Tridandi Sanyasis (त्रिदंडी संन्यासी)

  • Follow Vaishnav traditions.
  • Carry a three-pronged staff (Tridanda), symbolizing service to Vishnu.
  • Continue wearing the sacred thread (Janai) even after renunciation.
  • Strictly follow Vaishnav customs.

Dashami Sanyasis in Nepal

A portion of Dashami Sanyasis also resides in Nepal, maintaining their spiritual traditions and teachings. Some of them are associated with famous Hindu temples such as Pashupatinath, where monastic communities play a vital role in rituals and spiritual guidance. They follow similar traditions as their Indian counterparts, emphasizing meditation, study of scriptures, and renunciation from materialistic life.

The Dashami Sanyasi tradition remains a vital part of Hindu monastic culture, preserving the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya and Advaita Vedanta. Over centuries, the monastic orders have adapted to changing times while upholding their core principles of renunciation (सन्यास), wisdom (ज्ञान), and spiritual discipline (तपस्या). Whether in India or Nepal, these monks continue to inspire seekers on the path of self-realization and enlightenment.