A mystical Hindu sect known for their extreme rituals, including cannibalism and meditating on corpses, in pursuit of enlightenment.
Religion: Hinduism
Denomination: Shaivism
Founded: Late 14th century
Location: India
Size: Small
Other Names: Aghora, Aghoris
The Aghori, a small and enigmatic Hindu sect, has garnered both curiosity and controversy due to its unconventional and often shocking practices. Rooted in the ascetic traditions of India, the Aghori are distinguished by their pursuit of moksha (liberation) through extreme and taboo-breaking rituals.
Origins and Beliefs
The Aghori trace their origins to Baba Keenaram, an ascetic who is believed to have lived 150 years in Varanasi, India, during the 18th century. They are followers of Lord Shiva, the Hindu deity often associated with destruction and regeneration, and believe that Shiva is the supreme being who embodies both purity and impurity, creation and destruction. This dual nature of Shiva heavily influences their practices and beliefs.
Central to Aghori theology is the concept of non-duality. They seek to transcend the traditional Hindu concepts of purity and impurity, good and evil. In their view, the material world and all its moral structures are illusory. By embracing what society deems impure or taboo, such as death and decay, they believe they can achieve a state of non-dual consciousness, experiencing oneness with the divine.
Practices and Rituals
The Aghori are perhaps most infamous for their extreme rituals, including meditating on corpses (Shava Sadhana), consuming human flesh from cremation grounds, and using human skulls (kapalas) as vessels for eating and drinking. They also smear their bodies with the ashes of the dead, symbolizing the impermanence of life and the material world.
Their practices are driven by the belief that all opposites are ultimately illusory. By confronting what is conventionally seen as repulsive or horrifying, they seek to break down the barriers of societal norms and personal ego, leading them closer to moksha.
Lifestyle and Society
Aghoris often live on the fringes of society, dwelling in cremation grounds or remote places. Their lifestyle is characterized by extreme simplicity and detachment from the material world. As a result, they often renounce clothing and wander naked, symbolizing their detachment from societal norms and material possessions.
Despite their daunting practices, Aghoris are not disconnected from societal welfare. Many engage in healing practices, using their knowledge of herbs and medicines to treat diseases. This aspect of their practice stems from their belief in healing as a form of service to God, helping them dissolve the ego and attachments to the self.
Perception and Controversy
The Aghori’s practices have often put them at odds with mainstream Hindu society. Their rituals, especially those involving necrophagy and other forms of tamasic (dark, destructive) practices, are viewed with a mix of fear, suspicion, and at times, respect for their spiritual fervor.
Scholars and theologians have debated the place of Aghoris within the broader Hindu tradition. Some view their practices as a radical extension of the Shaiva tradition, while others see them as a distinct sect with practices and beliefs that diverge significantly from mainstream Hinduism.
In contemporary times, the Aghori face several challenges. The modern world’s emphasis on materialism and conventional morality often clashes with their ascetic and non-conformist lifestyle. Moreover, the sensationalization of their practices in media and popular culture has sometimes led to misunderstanding and misrepresentation of their spiritual goals.
Despite these challenges, the Aghori continue to practice their traditions, representing a stark reminder of the diversity and complexity within Hindu spirituality. Their presence raises profound questions about the nature of spirituality, the boundaries of societal norms, and the pursuit of enlightenment.
image via The Sun
