Sanku.--Sanku, the conch or chank (Turbinella rapa) has been recorded as a sub-division of Dasaris, Koppala Velamas, and Paraiyans who act as conch-blowers at funerals, and as an exogamous sept of Kuruba. Sankukatti, or those who tie the chank, occurs as a sub-division of Idaiyan. The chank shell, which is regularly collected by divers off Tuticorin in the Tinnevelly district, is highly prized by Hindus, and used for offering libations, and as a musical instrument at temple services, marriages, and other ceremonials. Vaishnavites and Madhvas are branded with the emblems of the chank and chakram. The rare right-handed chank shell is specially valued, and purchased for large sums. A legend, recorded by Baldæus, runs to the effect that "Garroude (Garuda) flew in all haste to Brahma, and brought to Kistna the chianko or kinkhorn twisted to the right". Such a shell appears on the coat-of-arms of the Raja of Cochin and on the coins of Travancore. Sanno (little).--A sub-division of Bottada, Omanaito, Pentiya, and Sondi. Sanror.--A synonym of Shanans, who claim that Shanan is derived from Sanror, meaning the learned or noble. Santarasi.--An exogamous sept of Dandasi. The members thereof may not use mats made of the sedge of this name. Santha (a fair).--An exogamous sept of Devanga and Odde. Santo.--A sub-division of Oriya Brahmans and Bhayipuos. Sanyasi.--"A Sanyasi is literally a man who has forsaken all, and who has renounced the world and leads a life of celibacy, devoting himself to religious meditation and abstraction, and to the study of holy books. He is considered to have attained a state of exalted piety that places him above most of the restrictions of caste and ceremony. His is the fourth Asrama or final stage of life recommended for the three higher orders. ["Having performed religious acts in a forest during the third portion of his life, let him become a Sanyasi, for the fourth portion of it, abandoning all sensual affection." [144]] The number of Brahman Sanyasis is very small; they are chiefly the Gurus or High Priests of the different sects. These are, as a rule, men of learning, and heads of monasteries, where they have a number of disciples under instruction and training for religious discussion. They are supported entirely by endowments and the contributions of their disciples. They undertake periodical tours for the purpose of receiving the offerings of their followers. Since the Sanyasi is considered to be above all sin, and to have acquired sufficient merit for salvation, no sradha is performed by the children born to him before he became an anchorite. [The skull of a Sanyasi is broken after death, as a guarantee of his passage to eternal bliss. Cf. Gosayi.] The corpse of a Sanyasi is buried, and never burnt, or thrown into the river.