Naga sadhus are worshippers of Lord Shiva and Agni (Fire God). They give up every single piece of clothing while taking the pledge of sanyaas; these saints remain completely naked even during biting cold. They hold tridents crowned with human skulls. Their bodies are smeared in thick ash and they wear heavy coils of matted hair on the head. The ash is not only considered to be holy, but is also said to possess curative and protective powers. The Naga Sadhus renounce the materialistic world and practice celibacy to escape from the cycle of birth and death and to attend salvation.
