The Avarant is a division of the sect of Ramanujas. The name has derived from the term `Avarana`, which means screening or surrounding. People of this sect prepare their own meals and eat in the strictest privacy.

The Avarant people cannot eat in cotton garments. They should wear woolen or silk clothes after taking bath and then have the food. All the Ramanujas cook for themselves and should eat the meal during this process. If they are confronted with a stranger during eating, the eating is immediately stopped and the viands are buried in the ground.

As per the Jaina beliefs, the five Avaranas mean the difficulties in attaining as many gradations of holy or divine wisdom.