AGHORI
Who is an Aghori ?
An Aghori is a type of Hindu ascetic associated with the Aghora sect, a mystical branch of Shaivism that
worships Lord Shiva. Aghoris are known for their extreme and unconventional spiritual practices, which they
believe bring them closer to enlightenment and transcendence by overcoming fear, social norms, and taboos.
They often reside in or around cremation grounds, symbolizing their acceptance of death as a part of the
natural cycle.
Aghoris embrace practices that other traditions might avoid, such as meditation on the nature of mortality, use
of symbolic objects like skulls, and sometimes engaging in rituals involving human remains. This is meant to
help them detach from worldly illusions and realize the ultimate oneness of all things. Their practices are
sometimes misunderstood, but Aghoris view them as a path to liberation, freedom from the cycle of rebirth,
and ultimate unity with the divine.
When was the origin of Aghori started?
The origins of the Aghori sect can be traced back to the early centuries of Hinduism, with roots going back to
the Kapalika tradition, an ancient Shaivite sect known for its unconventional practices. The Kapalikas were
known for similar rituals focused on transcending worldly attachments and taboos. However, Aghori as a
distinct sect is believed to have emerged around the 14th or 15th century in India.
The Aghori tradition became more recognizable in the 18th century under Baba Keenaram, an influential
Aghori saint considered to be the sect’s founding figure. He revitalized and organized Aghori practices and is
thought to have lived an exceptionally long life, further deepening the mystery surrounding Aghori ascetics.
His teachings continue to influence the Aghori sect, and his followers still regard him as a primary spiritual
leader.
Where are the Aghories from?
Aghori ascetics are primarily based in northern India, with their spiritual practices centered around places
considered sacred in Hinduism, especially near the banks of the Ganges River and in cremation grounds.
Varanasi (also known as Kashi), one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, is the main hub for Aghoris. They consider
the city’s cremation grounds, especially the Manikarnika Ghat, to be particularly powerful spiritual sites for
their practices, as it represents a place where life and death converge.
Besides Varanasi, Aghoris are also found in places like Haridwar, Prayagraj (Allahabad), and along the banks
of rivers that are believed to hold spiritual significance. Some Aghoris also reside in isolated, remote locations,
choosing solitude to deepen their meditation and detachment from worldly distractions.
What do an Aghori do?
An Aghori is a type of ascetic, particularly within Hinduism, known for following the Aghora tradition—a
path dedicated to achieving spiritual enlightenment by breaking through social and cultural norms. Aghoris
are followers of Shiva, especially the fierce aspect of Shiva as Bhairava, which represents destruction and
transformation. They believe that by embracing what is often shunned or feared by society, they can overcome
illusions and attain higher spiritual wisdom.
Aghoris are notable for their unconventional practices, which can include meditating in cremation grounds,
using human bones and skulls in rituals, and focusing on understanding the transient nature of life and death.
Their lifestyle is intended to dissolve attachments, overcome the ego, and recognize the oneness of all
existence. By confronting mortality and detachment, Aghoris seek liberation (moksha), freeing themselves
from the cycle of rebirth and aligning more deeply with Shiva’s transcendental energy.
Why do an Aghori exist?
Aghoris exist as part of a unique spiritual tradition within Hinduism aimed at achieving enlightenment through
radical detachment and overcoming the limitations of fear, ego, and social conditioning. They believe that by
facing and embracing aspects of life that society often rejects—such as death, impurity, and the human
condition in its rawest forms—they can transcend worldly illusions and move closer to divine truth.
The Aghori philosophy is rooted in the idea of non-duality, where all of existence is seen as interconnected
and without inherent separation between good and bad, pure and impure. For Aghoris, spiritual liberation
(moksha) requires breaking down these dualities. By living in cremation grounds and performing
unconventional rituals, they confront the reality of death and impermanence, which is believed to dissolve the
ego and lead to enlightenment.
Aghoris also aim to see Shiva, the supreme reality, in all things—believing that everything in existence,
regardless of its outward form, is an aspect of the divine. Their practices, though extreme, serve as a path to
dissolve attachments, reduce karma, and ultimately achieve unity with the divine.
What are the dos and don’ts of an Aghori?
Aghoris follow a distinct set of do’s and don’ts that guide their practices and philosophy. Their path
emphasizes detachment, confronting social norms, and pursuing enlightenment through unconventional
means. Here’s a general list of what Aghoris practice and avoid:
Aghori Do’s:
• Meditation and Sadhana in Cremation Grounds: Aghoris often meditate in cremation grounds to
confront the reality of death, overcome fear, and dissolve attachments to the physical body and
ego.
• Complete Detachment from Worldly Desires: They aim to live without attachment to material
goods, personal relationships, or social structures.
• Embracing Purity in All Forms: Aghoris believe in the non-duality of pure and impure, seeing
divinity in everything, including what society considers impure.
• Practices to Transcend the Ego: They engage in rituals and sadhana (spiritual practices) to go
beyond the ego and sense of self, achieving a state of oneness with the divine.
• Seeing Shiva in All Forms: Aghoris try to see and honor the presence of Shiva in all beings and
forms of existence, without judgment or discrimination.
• Living in Solitude or Simplicity: Many Aghoris live alone or with minimal possessions, avoiding
comforts and luxuries to cultivate detachment and focus on their spiritual path.
Aghori Don’ts:
• Attachment to Social Norms and Taboos: Aghoris deliberately avoid following societal norms and
taboos, as they believe these restrict spiritual progress.
• Avoidance of Dualistic Thinking: They aim not to see things as good or bad, pure or impure, but
as manifestations of a single, divine source. Duality is seen as an illusion to be overcome.
• Avoiding Harm or Hatred: While Aghoris may engage in extreme practices, they do not condone
harm or hatred, striving instead to overcome anger and fear.
• Reluctance to Engage in Material Pursuits: Aghoris refrain from accumulating wealth, seeking
social status, or engaging in any actions rooted in worldly desire.
• Ego-driven Practices: They avoid actions that might feed the ego or lead them away from spiritual
simplicity, aiming to dissolve personal identity and merge with the divine.
The Aghori path is challenging and often misunderstood due to its extreme practices. However, for
Aghoris, each practice serves a purpose on their journey toward self-realization and unity with Shiva,
transcending dualities and societal constructs.
Aghori practitioners can vary in their practices and intensity, as the Aghori path has different forms
and expressions. While there isn’t an official categorization within the Aghori sect, practitioners can be
grouped based on their practices, the level of austerity they follow, and their spiritual focus.
Forms or Types of Aghoris:
1. Sadhaka Aghoris (Practicing Aghoris):
• These Aghoris are primarily focused on spiritual practices (sadhana) and meditation.
• They typically live in seclusion, either in cremation grounds or remote places, where
they perform intense spiritual practices to confront fear and transcend ego.
• Their main aim is spiritual enlightenment, and they may use symbolic items like skulls
or ashes in their practices.
2. Tantric Aghoris:
• Tantric Aghoris practice Aghora Tantra, using rituals to channel specific energies for
spiritual advancement.
• They may invoke different aspects of Shiva or other deities through rituals that involve
mantras, yantras (mystical diagrams), and offerings.
• This form of Aghori often involves extreme rituals meant to help the practitioner
overcome attachment to the physical world, helping them access higher spiritual planes.
3. Avadhuta Aghoris (Liberated Aghoris):
• These Aghoris have achieved a state of enlightenment or liberation (moksha) and are
considered highly advanced practitioners.
• They are thought to have transcended worldly attachments completely, embodying a
state of pure detachment and divine awareness.
• Avadhuta Aghoris often live beyond societal norms and may appear as wandering
ascetics. They generally don’t adhere to any rituals and live in complete simplicity.
4. Param Aghoris (Highest Aghoris):
• Param Aghoris are very rare and are considered to have attained the highest states of
spiritual consciousness.
• They are said to have realized the ultimate truth, perceiving no distinction between the
physical and the divine.
• Often, these Aghoris might be revered as saints or gurus by followers for their wisdom
and state of detachment.
5. Householder Aghoris:
• While rare, some Aghoris choose to live within society, blending spiritual practices with
everyday life.
• They follow Aghori principles of non-attachment, non-duality, and spiritual practices
while fulfilling family and social responsibilities.
• These Aghoris apply Aghori philosophy in a more subtle way, balancing worldly life
with inner detachment.
Each form or type reflects a different approach or stage of dedication in the Aghori tradition, but all share the
common goal of transcending ego, fear, and duality to achieve spiritual liberation and unity with the divine.
PURITIES AND IMPURITIES OF HINDUISM THAT AN AGHORI OPTS:-
Aghoris practice a form of Hinduism that deeply intertwines concepts of purity and impurity, but they
approach these in unique ways, aiming to transcend traditional distinctions between the two. They believe that
all of existence is inherently divine, so both “pure” and “impure” aspects of life are seen as part of the ultimate
reality. Here’s how Aghoris view and incorporate purity and impurity:
Purity Forms in Aghori Hinduism:
➢ Devotion to Shiva:
❖ Aghoris are devoted to Lord Shiva, especially his form as Bhairava, the fierce and transformative aspect.
They see Shiva as the supreme, all-encompassing deity and strive to merge with his essence, viewing him
as both pure and impure, as he transcends all dualities.
➢ Meditation and Mantras:
❖ Meditation, chanting of mantras, and other spiritual practices are essential parts of Aghori sadhana
(spiritual practice). These practices are considered “pure” as they are meant to cleanse the mind, transcend
ego, and lead to self-realization.
➢ Detachment from Ego and Worldly Attachments:
❖ Aghoris practice intense detachment from personal desires, materialism, and social attachments. This
process of renunciation is seen as a purification of the soul, freeing it from the bondage of karma and ego.
➢ Acceptance of Oneness:
❖ The Aghori belief in the ultimate oneness of all things is seen as a pure realization. They aim to perceive
Shiva in all forms of existence, without making distinctions between the sacred and the profane.
Impurity Forms in Aghori Hinduism:
❖ Association with Cremation Grounds and Mortality:
➢ Aghoris live and perform rituals in cremation grounds, places often viewed as impure in Hindu society.
They meditate on death to understand the impermanence of life and free themselves from the fear of
mortality. This practice of confronting death and impurity is thought to lead to spiritual transcendence.
➢ Use of Human Remains in Rituals:
❖ Aghoris sometimes use human bones, ashes, and skulls as part of their rituals. These items are typically
considered impure, but Aghoris use them to symbolize detachment and the understanding that life and
death are part of a unified reality.
➢ Consumption of Substances Seen as Impure:
❖ In some cases, Aghoris consume substances like alcohol or other items considered impure to society. This
is done to defy and dissolve attachments to physical purity, symbolizing their belief that divinity exists in
everything.
➢ Transgression of Social Norms:
❖ Aghoris purposefully break societal taboos to challenge dualistic views of pure and impure. They may
perform rituals that involve symbolic acts of impurity, aiming to show that all actions and beings are
aspects of the divine.
In essence, Aghoris use purity and impurity as tools to transcend the ego, shed social conditioning, and realize
the non-dual nature of reality. By engaging in practices that seem contradictory, they work to dissolve the
boundaries between pure and impure, seeing both as parts of a greater unity.
DO AN AGHORI USE ASH OR TURMERIC?
Aghoris traditionally use ash, especially from cremation grounds, as part of their rituals and daily practices.
Ash, particularly human ash from funeral pyres, is seen as highly symbolic in the Aghori tradition. It represents
the cycle of life and death, the impermanence of the physical body, and the dissolution of the ego. Aghoris
often smear ash on their bodies as a way to transcend worldly attachments and remind themselves of the
fleeting nature of existence.
In contrast, turmeric is not commonly used by Aghoris. Turmeric is widely used in Hindu rituals and practices
as a symbol of purity, health, and protection, but it is more associated with mainstream Hindu customs. Since
Aghoris seek to go beyond traditional concepts of purity and impurity, they focus on ash, which aligns more
closely with their path of confronting death and dissolving ego.
DO AGHORI USE VERMILION AND SANDAL WOOD POWDER?
Aghoris generally do not apply vermilion (sindoor) or sandalwood powder as part of their practices. Vermilion,
a red powder, is commonly associated with Hindu rituals, marital status, and devotion, symbolizing life,
prosperity, and the goddess energy (Shakti). Similarly, sandalwood powder is used in mainstream Hinduism
as a symbol of purity, cooling energy, and divine connection, often applied on the forehead as a mark of
reverence.
Instead, Aghoris typically use ash from cremation grounds, symbolizing detachment from worldly life,
mortality, and the dissolution of the ego. For them, ash aligns with their focus on transcending traditional
norms of purity and impurity, helping them confront the impermanence of the physical form. Aghoris may
also use human bone remnants or other symbolic materials associated with their path of renunciation and
spiritual intensity, distancing themselves from conventional religious symbols like vermilion and sandalwood.
WHAT ARE THE IDENTITY OF AGHORI?
The basic identity of an Aghori encompasses several key aspects that define their beliefs, practices, and
lifestyle. Here are the main elements that characterize an Aghori:
1. Devotion to Lord Shiva:
• Aghoris are followers of Lord Shiva, particularly in his fierce aspect as Bhairava. Their
spiritual practices are centered around worshiping Shiva, whom they see as the ultimate reality that
transcends all dualities.
2. Emphasis on Non-Duality:
• Aghoris embrace the philosophy of non-duality, believing that all existence is interconnected
and that distinctions between pure and impure, life and death, are illusions. They aim to see the divine in all
things.
3. Confrontation with Death:
• Aghoris often meditate in cremation grounds and engage in practices that confront the reality
of death. This helps them overcome fear and attachments to the physical body, leading to spiritual liberation
(moksha).
4. Unconventional Practices:
• They engage in rituals that defy societal norms, such as using human remains, consuming
substances considered impure, and living in isolation. These practices are intended to challenge dualistic
thinking and dissolve ego-based identities.
5. Radical Detachment:
• Aghoris strive for complete detachment from material possessions, societal roles, and
personal desires. This radical renunciation is seen as essential for achieving spiritual enlightenment.
6. Ritualistic Symbolism:
• Ash from cremation grounds is a significant symbol for Aghoris, representing mortality,
impermanence, and the rejection of worldly attachments. They may use skulls and bones as ritual items,
viewing them as sacred reminders of the transient nature of life.
7. Mystical Experience:
• Aghoris seek mystical experiences and direct encounters with the divine, often through
intense meditation, rituals, and transformative experiences that lead them to a deeper understanding of
reality.
8. Emphasis on Liberation:
• The ultimate goal for an Aghori is achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death
(samsara) and realizing oneness with the divine consciousness.
9. Living as Ascetics:
• Aghoris typically adopt an ascetic lifestyle, often living in solitude or in small groups, with
minimal possessions. This lifestyle supports their focus on spiritual practices and detachment from the
material world.
Overall, the identity of an Aghori is shaped by a commitment to transcending conventional societal values, a
deep devotion to Shiva, and a radical approach to spirituality that embraces both the sacred and the seemingly
profane.
WILL AN AGHORI LEAD A LUXARY LIFE?
No, an Aghori will not lead a luxurious life. Aghoris are ascetics who deliberately reject material wealth,
comfort, and societal norms in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and liberation (moksha). Their lifestyle is
characterized by simplicity and detachment from worldly possessions and desires. Here are some key points
regarding their lifestyle:
1. Minimal Possessions:
• Aghoris typically own very few items, often limited to basic necessities. They may use items
such as a begging bowl, a staff, and perhaps clothing made from simple materials.
2. Focus on Spiritual Practices:
• Their daily life revolves around intense spiritual practices, meditation, and rituals, which
require a lifestyle free from distractions and material concerns.
3. Embracing Detachment:
• Aghoris strive for complete detachment from worldly desires, including wealth and luxury.
They believe that such attachments hinder spiritual growth and understanding.
4. Living in Seclusion:
• Many Aghoris choose to live in isolation, often in cremation grounds or remote areas, to deepen
their meditative practices and confront the reality of life and death.
5. Renunciation of Comfort:
• They often endure hardships and discomfort as part of their spiritual path, viewing these
experiences as opportunities for growth and understanding.
6. Mystical Experience over Material Gain:
• Aghoris prioritize mystical experiences and spiritual insight over material gain, seeing true
wealth as a deeper understanding of existence and oneness with the divine.
In summary, the Aghori path is one of radical renunciation, where living a luxurious life would contradict their
fundamental beliefs and practices.
