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Nirmalas

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one of the divisions of the Sikhs (q.v.), who profess to practice the strictest seclusion of religious asceticism. — They lead a life of celibacy, and disregard their personal appearance, often going nearly naked. They do not assemble together in colleges, nor do they observe any particular form of divine service, but confine their devotion to speculative meditation and the perusal of the writings of Nanak, Kabir, and other unitarian teachers. They are always solitary, supported by their disciples, or wealthy persons who may happen to favor the sect. The Nirmalas are known as able expounders of the Vedanti philosophy, in which Brahmins do not disdain to accept of their instructions. They are not a very numerous body on the whole; but a few are almost always to be found at the principal seats of Hindû wealth, and particularly at Benares.