Aghori: The Strange hermits of Hinduism

[Oldchemical]

This take is inspired mention of Aghor in the 'religions around the world take' by @natured.

The Aghor is the ascetic Shivist branch of Hinduism.

Aghoris believe that every person's soul is of Shiv but is covered by aṣṭamahāpāśa "eight great nooses or bonds" - sensual pleasure, anger, greed, obsession, fear and hatred. The practices of the Aghoris are centered around the removal of these bonds.

On release from all the eight bonds the soul becomes sadāśihv and obtains moksh.

The Aghori are known to engage in post-mortem rituals.

Their practices are considered taboo in Hinduism.

They often dwell in cremation grounds, have been witnessed smearing cremation ashes on their bodies, and have been known to use bones from human corpses for crafting kapals [Kuh-Paal].

A kapal is cup made by human skull.

The Aghori trace their origin to Keenaram [Keen-ah-raam], an ascetic who is said to have lived 150 years, dying during the second half of the 18th century.

Many Aghori gurus command great reverence from rural populations as they are supposed to possess healing powers.

People believe that the Aghori have awakened their mystical powers to heal people and sometimes even make predictions about people's lives.

Varanasi, is the spiritual city of the Aghor

Narcotism and Cannibalism

Smoking Marijuana is a very common practice in Aghori.

Enhancement of senses and spiritual state is the reason.

Some Aghoris are known to consume unidentified human bodies.

Reason? Unclear

Some notable points

1. The Aghoris rarely interact with people.

2. They don't accepted any form of money. However,they do accepted weed.

3. They live in isolation and can be found making pilgrimage at Varanasi.

4. They don't harm people. Cases of an Aghori attacking a civilian are extremely rare.

5. An Aghori doesn't care about the world.

6. Many of them spend their lives without any clothes.

[natured]

Wow, I never knew they where such interesting folks, thank you so much for creating this MyTake it's wonderful and packed with interesting detailed facts.
Damn, i swear, I wish I could meet one in person but looks like it's impossible

[Oldchemical]

Visit Varanasi. You can easily see them on the banks of the river.

[SwissMade]

They did a special on them on the show "Wild boyz" with Steve - o and Chris Pontius

[Imhotep99]

Where do you find them? Varanasi?

[Oldchemical]

Ravindrapuri ashram.

[Imhotep99]

Cool. Never been there.

[rose004b]

This is interesting.