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Paramahansas

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Paramandyas

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a species of Sanyasi, or Hindu ascetics, and, indeed, the most eminent of the four gradations, being solely occupied with the investigation of Brahm, and equally indifferent to pleasure, insensible to cold or heat, and incapable of satiety or want. In accordance with this definition, individuals are sometimes found who pretend to have reached this degree of perfection, and in token of it they go naked, never speak, and never indicate any natural want. They are fed by attendants, as if unable to feed themselves. They are usually classed among the Saiva ascetics, but Prof. H. H. Wilson doubts the accuracy of the classification.