The Clue Some sadhus in Varanasi smear it on their body
The Answer ASH
Sadhus are holy men in India, and many of them live in Varanasi, a sacred city. They often use ash, known as "vibhuti," to smear on their bodies as a symbol of spirituality and renunciation. This practice reflects their connection to the cycle of life and death, as ash represents the physical body's return to the earth. Therefore, "ASH" is the perfect answer to the crossword clue.