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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