What is aghori?
Aghori are a small sect of ascetic Shaiva sadhus in India. They are known for their extreme rituals and practices. The word "Aghori" is derived from the Sanskrit words "A-ghora," meaning "non-terrifying." Contrary to their practices, this suggests a state of enlightenment beyond fear and aversion.
- Practices: Aghori are known for engaging in practices considered taboo by mainstream Hindu society, including consuming human flesh (cannibalism), meditating in cremation grounds, using human skulls (kapalas), and interacting with the dead. These practices are meant to confront the Aghori with the reality of death and decay, breaking social norms and perceptions.
- Beliefs: Aghori believe that by confronting and internalizing what others fear, they can achieve enlightenment and overcome duality. They believe that everything is divine and that there is no difference between pure and impure. This philosophy allows them to accept all aspects of life, including death, disease, and decay, as part of the divine whole.
- Deities: Aghori are devotees of Shiva, particularly his fierce form, Bhairava, and the goddess Dhumavati. They often engage in practices to invoke these deities.
- Social Status: Aghori are often feared and misunderstood by the general public. They live on the fringes of society, often residing in cremation grounds and remote areas. They may provide healing to those who seek them out, using their unconventional methods.
- Kapalikas: Aghori are sometimes associated with the historical Kapalika sect. The Kapalikas were an even more extreme group of ascetics who are believed to have influenced the development of Aghora practices.
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