Aghori
The Aghori sub-sect of Shaivas mostly closely
resembles one of the earliest organized groups of
Hindu ascetics, the Kapalikas or “bearers of
skulls”, who originated in the ninth or tenth
century. Like the modern-day Aghori, Kapalikas
worshipped the terrifying manifestation of Shiva,
Bhairava, and were known to perform human
sacrifice, which often involved offering their own
self-mutilation and even ritual suicide. Though
these extreme practices have evolved into
symbolic acts today, the Aghori still utilize human
skulls, as seen in this photograph. Drinking out of a skull is a magical act in which the sadhu partakes of the deceased’s life-force, controlling it with the use of mantras. The skull also serves as a constant reminder of human mortality and the necessity of conquering the duality of life and death.
Nag-Phani Baba
From ancient times, a tradition of militancy has existed within
Hindu asceticism. At first scattered and unorganized, armed
ascetics were assembled and recruited from lower castes to form
a system of regiments called akharas in response to the
aggressive Muslim invasions of the early thirteenth century.
Though these were centers of military rather than religious training,
many of these warrior sadhus, who are called Naga sannyasis or
“naked renouncers,” continued to perform austerities and yogic
practices as they do today. This fierce-looking sadhu from a Shaivite
akhara displays his sword and nag-phani, or serpent horn that is
related to Shiva’s intimate companion, the cobra. Although Nagas no
longer engage in actual battles, they still proudly wield their weapons
as symbols of their spiritual power, but will not hesitate to use them if
pressed.
The Aghora Path
Sadhus wishing to expedite the process of enlightenment
may choose to perform severe austerities and mortifications.
Even at age sixty-six, Pagalinanda Aghori Baba can
demonstrate the Naga practice of “penis yoga,” which is
based on the complete transcendence of sexual impulses.
After a preliminary, nine-year period of self-imposed celibacy,
the yogi is truly initiated during a ritual in which certain
nerves of the penis are broken, enabling him to "lift" rocks
weighing over one hundred pounds. However, the initiation
ceremony for this practice makes it highly unlikely he will
ever have another erection.
It is essential for the ascetic to sublimate and control all
desire, especially sexual, in order to maintain his spiritual
power. An alternative method frequently employed to aid in
the control of passion is the use of chastity belts, either
wooden or metal. Such extreme practices are not only
performed to control desire, but also to eliminate other
spiritual obstacles: the pleasure of eating is destroyed by
only drinking milk and attachment to the body is severed by
standing for twelve years.
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