Aghoris are Hindu ascetics who belong to a Tantric sect from India, known for engaging in rituals with human remains. They venerate Bhairava, a manifestation of Shiva, the deity associated with destruction, whom they regard as the ultimate deity. Their macabre lifestyle piques interest and curiosity.
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ghoris are seldom seen, typically found near cremation sites in cities like Varanasi, or during grand spiritual gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela, which is the planet’s largest religious festival, or at certain sacred temples in India. The banks of the Ganges in Varanasi are particularly renowned for encountering these ascetics and understanding their unique way of life.
The term Aghori stems from the Sanskrit “Aghora,” translating to “without fear.” These individuals are Shaivite monks, dedicated followers of Shiva, and are recognized as some of the most daunting yet highly respected holy men in India.
The Keenaram temple in Varanasi, India, is the most sacred place for the Aghoris. It was built after the death of Baba Keenaram, who was buried in this holy city. Baba Keenaram, a 17th century ascetic, is believed to have lived for about 170 years and is considered to be the first Aghori. The practices of the Aghoris are considered radical and are often frowned upon in Hindu society. To the average person, their rituals seem strange, macabre and even frightening or repulsive. They are known to practice black magic, although they claim that they do not do so with harmful intentions, as they harbour no animosity towards anyone.
Their rituals include cremating dead bodies and covering themselves with the ashes of the recently cremated, as they believe that these ashes represent the ultimate purity. They claim to have the ability to cure all ailments and meditate in the presence of the deceased.
In India, the Aghoris consume marijuana and alcohol. They use skulls, known as ‘Kapala’ in Sanskrit, as bowls after cremation. They sometimes consume human flesh, faeces and urine, making no distinction between purity and impurity. They share their food with animals such as cows and dogs, as they consider all living beings to be equal. The rituals of the Aghoris derive from their spiritual beliefs, which are in stark contrast to orthodox Hindu practices. They perform these rites in search of Moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
