The Bairagis [107] have numerous _maths_ or monasteries, scattered
over the country and usually attached to temples. The Math comprises a
set of huts or chambers for the Mahant or superior and his permanent
pupils; a temple and often the Samadhi or tomb of the founder, or
of some eminent Mahant; and a Dharmsala or charitable hostel for
the accommodation of wandering members of the order, and of other
travellers who are constantly visiting the temple. Ingress and egress
are free to all, and, indeed, a restraint on personal liberty seems
never to have entered into the conception of any Hindu religious
legislator. There are, as a rule, a small number of resident _chelas_
or disciples who are scholars and attendants on the superiors,
and also out-members who travel over the country and return to the
monastery as a headquarters. The monastery has commonly some small
endowment in land, and the resident _chelas_ go out and beg for alms
for their common support. If the Mahant is married the headship may
descend in his family; but when he is unmarried his successor is one
of his disciples, who is commonly chosen by election at a meeting of
the Mahants of neighbouring monasteries. Formerly the Hindu governor
of the district would preside at such an election, but it is now,
of course, left entirely to the Bairagis themselves.