A kind of wooden
sandal used mostly by ascetics.
It has a hardwood sole and a mushroom-shaped front post that
is held in place by the front two toes.
Padukas are preferred by ascetics not just because they are
inexpensive and long-lasting, but also because they are devoid of animal goods
like as leather, which are considered unclean.
Apart from its practical use as footwear, an ascetic's
padukas are often maintained by his (or, more rarely, female) pupils after
death as a symbol of their guru's spiritual presence.
