Summer 2021 | Page 60

Shaivite Chanting

Shiva is a god of countless manifestations and a variety of forms,

each famed for certain attributes, deeds and powers; and the Shaiva

sadhus seek to emulate the image of the deity outwardly, while

working toward internalizing the god’s being and knowledge through

ritual and spiritual practice. On the surface, this sadhu adopts the

characteristics of Shiva: he sanctifies the body with sacred ash tilaka,

wears his hair in matted locks to evoke yogic power, and carries the

god’s iconic trident (trishu), the weapon that connects heaven and

earth. On a deeper level, however, the sadhu performs all daily

activities, both sacred and mundane, as rituals dedicated to the Divine,

thus transforming his whole existence into holiness. The sadhu seeks

to be like Shiva and finally be in complete union with him.

Because the sadhus imitate the gods in appearance and behavior, they

are perceived and worshiped as living idols with the ability to

accumulate and channel spiritual energy to the laity.

Guru Darshan by Chela

In this photograph, a disciple (chela) pays homage to

his guru, who in turn gives his blessing. The relations

between guru and student begins as one of

obedience and servitude. Once the disciple is

deemed fit for the ascetic life, he will be given initial

instructions and prepared for initiation. Though they

often differ between sects, initiations all center round

the idea of rebirth: the chela severs all ties with his

earthly life, symbolically dying as a human and then

is reborn into the divine life. His guru gives the initiate

a new name reflective of his new holy family and status, and imparts a powerful, personal mantra. The chela serves and worships his guru as god-incarnate, as in this photograph, whereas the guru takes full responsibility for his disciple’s spiritual education and earthly life, including his bad karma. Large festivals like the Kumbh Mela often provide a chance for students to meet their teachers in order to check in and receive further instructions. A young disciple will travel and study with his teacher for years.

Naga Baba

This ash-covered sadhu, a member of the Naga sub-sect, holds up

his right hand in the abhaya mudra, which expresses “have no fear”

and grants a blessing. Nudity is the ultimate expression of

asceticism, for it represents an absolute renunciation of the material

world and its attachments, as well as a complete transcendence of

sexuality and the sensual body. Remaining nude or semi-nude in all

weather conditions is considered a severe austerity and an

emulation of Shiva, who himself is digambara or “sky clad.” Naked

ascetics seem to have been ubiquitous before British rule, but

nowadays only fully initiated Shaiva Nagas can go nude and

typically only for special occasions.

Both Shaivas and Vaishnavas cover themselves in sacred ashes, or

vibhuti, like this Naga Baba. Vibhuti is usually taken from the

sadhu’s own sacred fire, that of a temple or, most potently,

cremation fires. Considered the prasad, or “food,” from the god of

Fire, the vibhuti represents to the sadhu the conquering of death

and the destruction of his karma in the fire of austerity.

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