The Aghoris are a small and unique sect of ascetics in Indian Hinduism, known for their extreme and unorthodox practices in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. Originating from the Kapalika sect, which dates back to 1000 AD, Aghoris follow the path of Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism that reveres Lord Shiva as the Supreme Being. Aghoris worship Shiva in his most fearsome form, Bhairava, seeking to transcend the duality of purity and impurity, good and evil. Their practices are aimed at realizing non-duality and experiencing oneness with the absolute, universal consciousness.
Aghori practices are centered around the belief that all opposites are ultimately illusory, and true enlightenment comes from embracing all aspects of life, including those that are typically considered taboo or repulsive. By confronting societal norms and deliberately choosing to live on the fringes, Aghoris challenge the fabric of conventional spirituality. Their rituals include meditating on corpses, consuming leftovers from human skulls (Kapala), and even, at times, partaking in post-mortem rituals. These practices are believed to imbue them with spiritual powers and immunity from negative energies.
Living predominantly near cremation grounds, the Aghoris maintain a close relationship with the dead. Their dwelling choice symbolizes their constant meditation on death and the transient nature of life, which helps them detach from worldly attachments and delusions. This proximity to death is intended to remind them of the impermanence of life and the importance of living a fearless existence devoted to spiritual pursuits. The Aghoris often smear their bodies with cremation ashes, which in their belief, helps link them with the powers of Shiva and protect them from disease.
Despite their seemingly grotesque practices, the philosophy underlying the Aghori way of life is profound. They seek to achieve a state where distinctions between the sacred and the profane no longer exist, thereby reaching a stage of heightened awareness and spiritual purity. Their ultimate goal is Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death), which they believe can be attained by embracing all facets of human existence, however extreme. The Aghoris represent a radical form of detachment from materialistic and superficial living, urging a deeper reflection on the nature of reality and the essence of spirituality through their controversial yet spiritually rich practices.