Life of an aghori in HaridwarEven as lakhs of devotees gathered in the holy city of Haridwar marking the occasion of second shahi snan (royal bath) during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela, the place also turned a major venue for the activities of aghoris (sorcerers).
Headlines Today tracked the grizzly way of life of aghoris at the Mahakumbh and captured the shocking form of tantrik worship. Apart from taking holy dips in the Ganga for the cleansing of their mind, body and soul, also came out the other side of their spirituality.
The investigation revealed the mysterious and the menacing world of people who rise from the ashes as night descends. It was no less than an aura of deep belief that ties more with the dead than with life.
Hindus believe a holy dip in the Ganga, particularly on the auspicious days during the Mahakumbh, was a step towards moksha (salvation). So the sacred ghats of Haridwar were thronged by millions of believers at the crack of dawn. Rituals continued through the day. But as the sun set over the Ganga, darkness heralded the sinister face of human belief.
It was not easy to gain the trust of the aghoris at the Mahakumbh. They don't like the company of the living and Shukranath was no exception. But after coaxing him for days, this aghori finally agreed to unveil his dark world before Headlines Today cameras.
"People say aghori activities are unholy. But I feel otherwise," Shukranath told Headlines Today.
He wakes up after midnight to seek life among the dead. Drinking alcohol is an integral part of the aghori practice, but what is more shocking is that a skull is used as a cup to consume alcohol. That's what Shukranath also did.
"Drinking from the skull is part of aghori customs," he said. After his drink, Shukranath was hungry. He had some meat with him. Since cooking would take time, a hungry Shukranath did the unthinkable. He took out chunks of raw and uncooked meat and started having it with plain salt and some chilli powder.
It might be extremely repulsive, but for Shukranath it is the only way of life he knows. Cannibalism is an essential part of aghori tradition as they believe it makes them one with Lord Shiva, who they claim also resides at cremation grounds. The cremation ground has been his bed and the funeral pyre his sole source of sustenance. Source:
0 comments:
Post a Comment