Bible Encyclopedias
Anuvarta

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

is the first rank of ascetics among the Jainas (q.v.). This degree of asceticism can be attained only by him who forsakes his family; entirely cuts off his hair, holds always in his hand a bundle of peacock's feathers and an earthen pot, and wears only clothes of a tawny color.