The Documentary Podcast The naked monks
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Mar 13, 2026 Muni Pranam Sagar, a Digambara monk who practices sky-clad renunciation, describes doctrine, daily travel and dangers on pilgrimage. Anunay Sagar, a former corporate worker turned Jain disciple, shares his staged progress toward monkhood and celibacy. They discuss vows of non-possession, the feather duster used for nonviolence, villagers’ reactions and the resurgence of naked ascetics in modern India.
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Monk's Long Naked Pilgrimage
- Muni Pranam Sagar walks naked and barefoot hundreds of miles as a public vow of non-possession and non-violence.
- He uses a peacock-feather duster to gently brush away insects before sitting, showing practical care for life while on long pilgrimages.
Nudity As Doctrinal Embodiment
- Jain vows combine Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-possession) so nudity and careful barefoot walking embody doctrinal beliefs.
- Jains view karma as a physical substance attached to the soul, so austerities aim to reduce karmic accumulation.
Threatened With A Dagger On The Road
- Muni Pranam Sagar recounts being threatened with a dagger while walking through Bihar but kept moving and escaped unharmed.
- He interprets surviving such incidents as a result of good karma and his resolve to continue the journey.