Sadhu the Jain householders support the monastic community. The "sadhus" and "sadhvis" are intertwined with the Jain lay society, perform "Murtipuja" (Jina idol worship) and lead festive rituals, and they are organized in a strongly hierarchical monastic structure. There are differences between the Digambara and Svetambara sadhus and sadhvi traditions. The Digambara sadhus own no clothes as a part of their interpretation of Five vows, and they live their ascetic austere lives in nakedness. The Digambara sadhvis wear white clothes. The Svetambara sadhus and sadhvis both wear white clothes. According to a 2009 publication by Harvey J. Sindima, Jain monastic community
Digambara Samiyar Sattanathan Pillai. One night Digambara Samiyar passes by at Alangaram house. He overheard the judge and Alangaram in conversation and their cruel intention. On his way Vadivambal was attacked by robbers. Digambara Samiyar passes by and saves her and gets to know about Vadivambal's forceful wedding arrangement with Sattanathan's brother Masilamani. While they reached Mannargudi, they were attacked by Masilamani and Namachivaayam Pillai. However Kannapa passes by and rescues Vadivambal and Digambara Samiyar. Both Kannapa (P. V. Narasimha Bharathi) and Vadivambal fall in love at first sight. Velayudha Pillai and Kannapa greet Digambara Samiyar into their house. Velayudha Pillai had