Aghori Sadhus, Know their mysterious world, what their life look like, and how are they different from Naga Babas?

New Delhi: The holy city of Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj is all set to host the grand Mahakumbh starting from January 14. Saints and seers from all across the country have started gathering in Prayagraj for the spiritual confluence. In addition to saints from various Akharas, Mahamandaleshwars and Aghori sadhus will also be part of the Kumbh.

In this article, we will understand the lifestyle of Aghori sadhus.  According to popular belief, many people mistakenly consider these Aghori sadhus to be tantriks and often fear approaching them.

Who are Aghoris?

Aghoris are considered devotees of Lord Shiva and primarily follow the Kapalika tradition, which is why they are often seen carrying a skull (kapal). The word “Aghori” originates from the Sanskrit word “Aghor,” which means fearless. Apart from Shiva, Aghoris are also known to worship Kali, the fierce form of Shakti. Aghoris cover their body with ash, wear rudraksha malas, and include skulls as part of their attire.

• Aghori ascetics typically live in seclusion and are rarely seen in public.
• They are usually spotted only during religious events like the Kumbh Mela.
• Aghoris reside in cremation grounds or remote areas, places where access is limited, as such locations are considered ideal for their spiritual practices.
• The Aghori sect follows the teachings of Baba Kinaram, who lived in the 18th century, and they regard his actions as part of their tradition.
• The Aghori sect originally emerged in Varanasi and has since spread across temples throughout the country.

Aghoris Practice Meditation in Crematoriums

Aghoris often engages in intense meditation, believing Shiva to be omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. Aghoris are said to be beyond the fear of birth and death, which is why they have no fear of living in crematoriums.

In fact, they often do not hesitate to spend the night among corpses or even consume partially burned flesh from funeral pyres. Eating half-burned flesh from a pyre is considered a part of their tradition. It is believed that if they can do this without fear or disgust, they are progressing in their spiritual practice.

How was their founder born and what were the signs of his divinity?

The modern-day Aghoris trace their origins to Baba Keenaram, an ascetic believed to have lived for 150 years, passing away in the latter half of the 18th century. Baba Keenaram is regarded as the founder of the Aghori sect within Shaivism, being the first to codify its principles and practices in texts like Viveksara, Ramgeeta, Ramrasal, and Unmuniram. Revered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, his birth was accompanied by several miraculous signs, cementing his spiritual significance.

According to reports, Baba Keenaram was born in a Kshatriya family in Ramgarh village in Uttar Pradesh in 1658. He was born on the day of Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the lunar month of Bhadrapada, which is considered auspicious for Shiva worship. He was also born with a full set of teeth, which is a rare phenomenon and a sign of spiritual power.

The Mysterious Life of Aghoris

The life of Aghoris is shrouded in mystery. People still have limited knowledge about them, and there is a certain fear surrounding them. However, this fear can only be dispelled by understanding them. The guiding principle of their life is simple: “You focus on your work, and allow us to follow our path to liberation.” He emphasized that, like everyone else, they are ordinary humans, but their goals in life are different. Their rituals, lifestyle, and way of worship set them apart from others.