The Aghori are a small group of ascetic Shaiva sadhus based in and around Benaras / Varanasi. They engage in post-mortem rituals. They often dwell in charnel grounds, smear cremation ashes on their bodies, and use bones from human corpses for crafting kapalas (skull cups which Shiva and other Hindu deities are often iconically depicted holding or using) and jewellery. Their practices are sometimes considered contradictory to orthodox Hinduism. Many Aghori gurus command great reverence from rural populations, as they are supposed to possess healing powers gained through their intensely eremitic rites and practices of renunciation and tapasya.
Aghoris are devotees of Shiva manifested as Bhairava, and monists who seek moksha from the cycle of reincarnation or saṃsara. This freedom is a realization of the self's identity with the absolute. Because of this monistic doctrine, the Aghoris maintain that all opposites are ultimately illusory. The purpose of embracing pollution and degradation through various customs is the realization of non- duality (advaita) through transcending social taboos, attaining what is essentially an altered state of consciousness and perceiving the illusory nature of all conventional categories.
Aghori rituals, which are performed precisely to oppose notions of purity commonplace in orthodox Hinduism, are typically macabre in nature. Practices of Aghoris vary. Some of them also live in cemeteries, smear cremation ashes on their bodies, use human skulls for decoration and bowls, smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol, and meditate on top of corpses. Although contrary to mainstream Hinduism, these practices exemplify the Aghori philosophy of criticizing commonplace social relations and fears through the use of culturally offensive acts. Furthermore, they demonstrate the Aghoris’ acceptance of death as a necessary and natural part of the human experience.
Despite the thought behind such actions, outsiders (particularly tourists) have typically viewed the sect with suspicion and horror, with their lifestyles being described as morally damaging to the Indian youth, akin to living like animals, uncivilized compared to modern Hindu society, or outright dangerous, due to belief that the Aghori are willing to kill live humans for their rituals. This particular claim, as of the present, has yet to be substantiated with hard evidence.
Aghoris believe that every person’s soul is Shiva, but is covered by aṣṭamahapasa, “eight great
nooses or bond”, including sensual pleasure, anger, greed, obsession, fear and hatred. The practices
of the Aghoris are centered on the removal of these bonds. Sadhana in cremation grounds is used in
an attempt to destroy fear; sexual practices with certain riders and controls attempt to release one
from sexual desire; being naked is used in an attempt to destroy shame. On release from all the
eight bonds, the soul becomes sadasiva and obtains moksha.
Aghori Sadhus are the group of ascetic Shaiva Sadhus. They worship Lord Shiva and goddess Kali.
Their life is mostly found during night times especially on the banks of Ganga River in Varanasi.
- The start timings for this meeting activity is 1:00 am and total time for this activity will be around 4 hours including travel time from meeting point to Aghori’s place and back
- After booking we will inform you about meeting place with your guide in main city area
- You will get the details of the meeting organizer / guide (phone number for Voice Calls and WhatsApp), 4 hours before scheduled meeting.
- Your meeting organizer / guide will meet you at scheduled time and bring you to an Aghori Ashram (around 10 kms from meeting point) by shared public transport (Auto Rickshaw or E Rickshaw), Aghori Ashram is in remote area and significant walking involved to reach their place and your guide will drop you back to city after this meeting activity.
- You need to follow instructions of your meeting organizer / guide while you are in the Aghori’s place and at the time of communicating with them.
- You will stay in Aghori’s place for 60-90 minutes and can communicate with some of them with the help of your guide, you will see their way of life and other activities related to that place.
- Group size 1-4 persons at a time.
- 24 hours confirmation.
- You need to carry your photo identity card. For tourists from outside India, passport is mandatory.
- This meeting activity is valid only for the date and time specified at the time of booking, once booked, cannot be cancelled, however this meet activity can be availed on any other date if intimated us before 24 hours of the scheduled time
