Crusaders shun essential elements for this holy man (5)

I believe the answer is:

sadhu

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'holy man' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for sadhu that I've seen before include "Ascetic" , "Indian holy man or sage" , "Hindu wandering holy man" , "Indian wandering holy man" , "one choosing austerity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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