E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Sai’vas (2 syl.).
Worshippers of Siva, one of the three great Indian sects; they are at present divided into—
1
(1) Dandins or staff-bearers, the Hindu mendicants; so called because they carry a danda or small staff, with a piece of red cloth fixed on it. In this piece of cloth the Brahmanical cord is enshrined.
2
(2) Yogins. Followers of Yoga, who practise the most difficult austerities.
3
(3) Lingavats, who wear the Linga emblem on some part of their dress.
4
(4) Paramahanas, ascetics who go naked, and never express any want or wish.
5
(5) Aghorins, who eat and drink whatever is given them, even ordure and carrion.
6
(6) Urdhaba’hus, who extend one or both arms over their head till they become rigidly fixed in this position.
7
(7) Akas’mukhins, who hold up their faces to the sky till the muscles of the neck become contracted.
