Aghori Tribe: Fascinating Facts About India's Cannibals Who Drink from Human Skulls

The Aghori tribe, an ascetic sect within Hinduism, is known for its extreme and unconventional practices that often provoke both fascination and horror.

These practitioners, primarily found in Varanasi, India, embrace a lifestyle that defies societal norms and challenges conventional understandings of spirituality.

Their controversial rituals, which include meditating on cremation grounds and consuming human flesh, have led to numerous myths and misunderstandings about their beliefs and practices.

The Origins of the Aghori Tribe

The Aghori sect traces its roots back to the Kapalika sect, which is known for its left-hand path practices in Hinduism.

The historical origins of the Aghoris are somewhat obscure, but they are often linked to the legendary figure Kina Ram, believed to be the first Aghori ascetic who lived for over 150 years until the 18th century.

The Aghoris are deeply devoted to Lord Shiva, particularly in his fierce manifestation as Bhairava, and they view him as the ultimate source of liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) .

Aghoris believe that all human beings possess the divine essence of Shiva, but this essence is obscured by worldly attachments and societal norms.

Their practices aim to transcend these limitations, embracing a philosophy that sees all distinctions—between pure and impure, good and evil—as mere illusions.

This belief in the oneness of existence sets them apart from mainstream Hindu practices, which typically emphasize ritual purity and moral conduct .

Beliefs and Philosophy

At the core of Aghori philosophy is the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through unconventional means.

They reject societal norms and taboos, believing that true understanding comes from embracing all aspects of existence, including death and decay.

Aghoris assert that all things are manifestations of the divine, and thus, they strive to see beyond superficial distinctions.

Their worldview is rooted in the concept of advaita, or non-duality, which posits that the self (Atman) is identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman).

This perspective leads them to engage in practices that challenge conventional notions of purity and morality, allowing them to confront their fears and attachments directly.

By doing so, they aim to realize the illusory nature of existence and achieve a higher state of consciousness .

Rituals and Practices

Aghori rituals are often macabre and shocking to outsiders, but they hold deep spiritual significance for practitioners. Some of the most notable practices include:

Meditation on Cremation Grounds: Aghoris often meditate in cemeteries, believing that proximity to death helps them confront their fears and detach from worldly attachments.
Use of Human Skulls: They frequently use human skulls as bowls for food and drink, symbolizing their acceptance of mortality and the transient nature of life.
Consumption of Human Flesh: While the practice of cannibalism is perhaps the most notorious aspect of Aghori rituals, it is essential to understand that they do not kill for flesh. Instead, they consume the remains of corpses found at cremation sites, viewing this act as a means to transcend societal taboos and affirm their belief in the oneness of all existence .

These practices are not merely acts of defiance but are integral to their spiritual journey, aimed at breaking down the ego and achieving liberation from the cycle of life and death.

The Role of Cannibalism and Necromancy

Cannibalism, while shocking, is approached by Aghoris as a profound spiritual practice rather than an act of violence.

They believe that consuming human flesh allows them to transcend worldly attachments and fears associated with death.

This consumption is often framed as a way to honor the deceased, as they believe that the act connects them to the divine essence of the departed .Additionally, Aghoris engage in necromancy, which involves rituals that connect them with the spirits of the dead.

They believe that by interacting with the dead, they can gain insights into the nature of existence and the afterlife.

This practice is rooted in their acceptance of death as a natural part of life, rather than something to be feared or avoided .

Life in Varanasi: The Spiritual Capital of the Aghori Tribe

Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India, serves as the spiritual hub for the Aghori tribe. The city is renowned for its ghats along the Ganges River, where cremation rituals are performed.

Aghoris are often found at these ghats, engaging in their practices amid the smoke of burning bodies and the presence of grieving families.The significance of Varanasi to the Aghoris cannot be overstated.

It is here that they find a unique blend of life and death, allowing them to practice their beliefs in a context that is both sacred and practical.

The cremation grounds are seen as a place of transformation, where the physical body is released, and the soul moves on to its next existence .

Challenges and Misconceptions

Despite their rich spiritual practices, the Aghori tribe faces significant challenges in contemporary society.

They are often stigmatized and misunderstood, with sensationalized portrayals in media contributing to a distorted image of their beliefs.

Many people view Aghoris solely through the lens of their shocking practices, failing to appreciate the deeper philosophical underpinnings of their lifestyle.

Common misconceptions include the belief that Aghoris are violent or that they actively seek out human flesh.

In reality, their practices are rooted in a profound spiritual philosophy that seeks to transcend the dualities of existence.

They do not engage in violence or coercion, and their rituals are performed with respect for the dead .

Aghori Tribe and Modernity

As the world modernizes, some Aghoris have begun to adapt their practices to contemporary life.

While many remain committed to traditional rituals, others have found ways to integrate aspects of modernity into their lives.

This blending of old and new raises important questions about the relevance of their practices in today’s society.

Some Aghoris engage with the public, offering spiritual guidance and healing, while others maintain a more secluded lifestyle.

This interaction with modernity presents both opportunities and challenges, as they navigate the complexities of maintaining their identity in a rapidly changing world .

Conclusion

The Aghori tribe represents a unique and often misunderstood facet of Hindu spirituality.

Their extreme practices challenge societal norms and invite deeper contemplation of life, death, and the nature of existence.

Understanding the Aghoris requires a willingness to look beyond sensationalism and appreciate the profound philosophical beliefs that underpin their way of life.

In a world that often seeks to categorize and judge, the Aghoris remind us of the importance of embracing diversity in spiritual paths.

Their journey toward enlightenment, though unconventional, underscores the complexity of human belief and the myriad ways individuals seek to connect with the divine.