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History
the Aghoris trace their origin to Baba Keenaram, an ascetic who is said to have lived 150 years, dying during the second half of the 18th century. -
Spiritual Headquarters
The main Aghori pilgrimage center is Kina's Ram hermitage or ashram in Ravindrapuri. Baba Keenaram is the name of this place which is buried in a tomb -
Medicine
Aghori practice healing through purification as a pillar of their ritual. Their patients believe the Aghoris are able to transfer health to and pollution away from patients as a form of trans formative healing. -
Purpose
The purpose of embracing pollution and degradation through various customs is the realization of non-duality through transcending social taboos. -
Belief
Aghoris believe that every person's soul is Shiva but is covered by aṣṭamahāpāśa "eight great nooses or bonds",including sensual pleasure, anger, greed, obsession, fear and hatred. -
Facts
The Aghori are a small group of ascetic Shaiva sadhus. They engage in post-mortem rituals. They often dwell in charnel grounds, smear cremation ashes on their bodies, and use bones from human corpses for crafting. -
Location
Aghoris are prevalent in cremation grounds across India, Nepal and even sparsely across cemation ground south east Asia. -
Are they Cannibals?
Aghoris are devotees of Shiva manifested as Bhairava, and monists who seek maksha from the cycle of reincarnation.
