Aghor, Aghori and Aughar

Aghor, Aghori and Aughar

Shri Aghoreshwar Bhagwan Ramji

“O thou who wear the glory of Rudra
From fruit-bearing Aghoris
Shining with the brightness of stars
From all the goddesses
May everything be to thou
The highest among the fruits.
This supreme essence
May we know
In this immense splendour
May we immerse ourselves
This may Rudra bestows on us.”

Aghora Mantra

Aghor (a + ghor), a term usually rendered as absence of fear, dread, difficulty, is an inner state of being that can be gained through the spiritual discipline known as Aghor sadhana. The one who is instructed in this practice is known as Aghor, Aghori or Aughar. Aughar, (au + ghar) means “ The Other House”. The apex of Aghor state is Aghoreshwar, Lord of Aghor, a title of Shiva in some scriptures. The Aghora Mantra is already in the Vedas.

Baba Rajeshwar Ramji, Shri Aghoreshwar’s Guru

Aghor condition is obtained by the one who transcends the fourth state, Turiya, beyond the state of wakefulness, the state of dream and the state of deep sleep without dreams. The one who gains this condition is celebrated as Turiyatita, Avadhuta or Aghor. In his eyes nothing more is pure or impure because, transcending duality, he realized the Supreme Unity. He becomes like a dried seed, unable to produce karma.

Aghor sadhana is considered by Aghoris the straight way for the fourth state because it is perfect (Siddha) and heroic (Vira). It is Guruvani, passed through the word from Master to disciple, in an immemorial continuum. Aghor sadhana is a sum of practices that nowadays survives mainly in India and in the nearest zones.

Baba Surya Dev Ramji – Sadhana in Girnar cave

It is difficult to reconstruct Aghori’s origin only through the quotations of critics and observers, the Aghori not having left any texts or chronicles. Their past before Aghoreshwar Baba Kina Ramji is completely shrouded in mystery and left to pure assumptions. These unknown sadhus didn’t have residences and they wandered on mountains or into the jungles. They lived in crematory grounds and paid visit to the sacred places, bringing comfort and their knowledge (medical, psychological, spiritual) to the population.

Shava Sadhana

Numerous are the theories proposed about Aghori’s origins. The most famous is that they come from Kapalikas, a presumed extinct school. Some think that Aghoris are Buddhists merged with Hinduism after the religion’s extinction from the Indian continent. In popular tales they were a non-vedic population or a tribe, probably established in the region of the rivers Narmada or Son. For still others, Aghoris may come from an archaic spiritual lineage now disappeared, maybe located in the heart of the ancient realm of Maghada, land of birth of modern Buddhism. Some say that it is possible that they come from other shaiva schools while others suggests that Kapalika, Sarbhanga, Brahmanishta, Avadhuta, Abhyadhar, Aghor and other names, used in different times and different places, are synonymous. Hindus regard Aghoris as coming directly from Shiva. In a study done in Kashi about organisations of sadhus shaiva, vaishnava and sadhus of minor factions, Aghoris aren’t placed in any of these religious divisions.

Shiva – Shakti

The only original Aghori literature includes the works left by Baba Kina Ramji and the many volumes published under Baba Aghoreshwar Ramji’s direction and a little more.

Baba Kina Ramji

Shri Aghoreshwar Bhagwan Ramji, known as the last leader of modern Aghoris, said many times in his speeches: “Aghor is not Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakta or Tantra. Aghor is the essence of all traditions.” Regarding Kapalikas in one of his writings he simply describes them with an adjective: Celestials. Aghoreshwar is synonymous for Kapaleshwar.

Kapalika, Kathmandhu – G. Tucci 1952

In accordance with History the first Kapalika is Shiva himself, in his terrific Bhairava form. The story, as told in Puranas, tells that He cut off one of Brahma’s heads in a fit of rage. Guilty of the loathsome crime of brahmanicide, he was condemned to wander with the skull of his victim stuck to his hand and to use it as begging bowl and food bowl. After twelve years he arrived in Kashi (Varanasi) and the Kapal (skull) spontaneously came off his hand, falling in the place now known as Kapalamochana.

Aghor Ganesh

The oldest mentions of Kapalikas have to be found in the Smritis (Yajnavalkya and Vishnu), written maybe few centuries before Christ. They appear in the writings of Jains and Buddhists too. The Buddhists were to be so deeply influenced by Kapalikas’ as their practises began to impregnate Mahayana and the different tantric currents. The protagonists of some literary Indian works of the first millennium of the current era, described with a tone sometimes grotesque and sometimes sinister, have names that can be traced back to Aghor and Kapalikas ascetics. Quoted in many stories of Chinese, Arab and European travellers and chroniclers, it seems like if they were in great numbers until the Middle Ages. The ancient observers remarked that among the wandering ascetics many were bringing skulls (they were Kapalikas).

Krin Kund Sthal, Kashi

An uncontaminated line survived invasions, persecutions, destructions, cultural absorption and flourished in the wonderful expression developed in Kashi by the extraordinary Baba Kalu Ramji and by the very high Baba Kina Ramji, beginning to be known as Aghor. Baba Kina Ramji became famous for the legendary feats of his existence, for the fights with rajas and nawabs of that time in sadhus’ and poor people’s favour, for having revived tradition and promoted dialogue among the main Hindu currents and among the religions but most of all thanks to the work for the weakest social classes and their defence.

Mahasiddha Shri Dattatreya Yantra

Baba Kina Ramji, during his long existence, visited the places linked to Girnar and the Himalaya but it’s in Varanasi (Kashi), at Krin Kund Sthal, that He gets the final diksha to Aghor sadhana by the striking Baba Kalu Ramji. Both historical characters, they are the link of the modern Aghor expression to the ancient roots. This line of wandering and unknown sadhus got organized and entered local society, bringing an important contribution in those times of big difficulty.

Shri Dattatreya Gurudev

Shri Dattatreya is the Patron and ideal Master of Aghoris, and his symbolic abode is located on Girnar mountain. Between Shri Dattatreya’s peak, with the Charan Paduka, footprints of the Master and Goraknath’s peak, with his Karaon (the sandals) and Dhuni, rises Aghori’s peak, Aghori Shila, dedicated to Baba Kina Ramji, bare, inhospitable and inaccessible. This essentiality without any representation is maybe symbolic of the Aghor state?

Baba Kina Ram Aghori Shila, Girnar

Their ancientness, the uninterrupted link with a remote spiritual knowledge of mankind, the practises considered bearers of incredible spiritual powers (Siddhis), their outwardly inaccessibility and isolation, contributed to generate stories and references most of the times imaginary. The absence of promotion through texts, the lack of interest in religious disputations, the rejection of the orthodox taboos and of the caste prejudice, then gave birth to a doubtful literature, often made by detractors, in which disgusting and aberrant behaviours are ascribed to the Aghoris. Ignorance, superstitions and popular beliefs, rumours, imitative behaviours played by disturbed or sly figures, moulded a stereotyped distorted image far removed from reality.

Aghori Sadhus are very rarely to be found. There are only about a handful of 1500 in the total 1.2 Billion population of India. Most hindus are afraid of Aghoris. These Aghoris are not actually violent but are known to consume corpses of humans or dogs, etc. when they can find it. They dont hurt or kill anyone. By inspiring fear in the minds of worldly men, they keep them at bay and do austerities in secret and indeed for a good reason. An Aghori tries to destroy all fear, hatred, fondness, greed, anger present inside the mind.

In Aghora, the adepts attain mastery over the components of the universe; the 5 mahabhutas ie., earth, water, fire, air and Akasha. They also understand the vital force Prana from inside out and energies that are even more subtle. They become the students of Mahashakti (Mother Nature) and play with the universal laws like a small child plays with toys! They transmute elements as if its a funny game. Ordinary men cannot understand their ways and are afraid and disgusted by them. The Aghoris are shy and keep away from the world of men. They stay in remote mountain caves, dense tiger infested forests, Cremation grounds and desolate river banks. Verily they are a cult steeped in mystery. Very few sadhus dare to tread this path, for its a closed tradition and they guard their secrets well. Very few people of this world have met adept Aghori Yogis. So little of them is known except their strange power and horrendous lifestyle.
Yogiraj Gambhir Nath is a legend from the nineteenth century. He was the most powerful yogi during his lifetime. According to Sant Vijayakrishna Goswami, Gambhirnathji could create and destroy this universe in the blink of an eye. Numerous miracles are known to be performed by him, including giving life to a dead devotee. He was the embodiment of kindness and devotion to God. He didnt wear silken clothes because numerous silkworms are boiled to death during it's manufacture. And he lived the life of a pauper even though he was the President of the gigantic Natha tradition. He was devoid of arrogance and pride. What very few people know is that, in his youth, Gambhirnath had been an Aghori.

When Yogiraj Visuddhananda was a little boy, he was taken to Gyangunj for initiation. After initiation from Maha_Rishi Mahatapa, he was taken to the place where Yogi Gambhirnath had set his Asana (seat) for blessing. Gambhirnath spoke very little. He awoke form samadhi, opened his merciful eyes, looked once at the boy and said, "OK, good." And instantly entered samadhi again. [taken from the record of Swami Visuddhananda]
Visuddhananda Paramhamsa became a legend in the field of Surya Science. He could transmute elements and create anything, even a living being by the power of his Yoga and solar science. He was not an Aghori but a Tantrik Yogi of the first order. He was very kind and wise and could openly perform unthinkable miracles. Once he opened his navel and displayed the Manipur Lotus to his devotees and students. His accounts can be found in Visuddhananda Prasanga and Yogirajadhiraj. He became a Paramhamsa yogi, as great as the legendary Rishis of yore. He was a rare adept in many fields simultaneously; his prowess is unequalled in Yoga, Tantra, Solar Science and Mantra Science. He walked with equal ease in both Hatha and Raja Yoga. He was the spiritual brother ( Gurubhai ) of Kutupananda or, Rishi Kauthumi ( Kooti Hoomi ), the Guru of Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Olcott. [Rishi Kutupananda has mentioned students of foreign origin in a letter to Yogi Vishuddhananda. ]

When Sant Bijoykrishna Goswami ( Vijayakrishna Goswami ) was searching for a true Guru (yoga master), he met Yogi Gambhirnath in a mountain cave. A young chela (student) Aghori sadhu, who looked very fierce in appearence was guarding the cave. [Taken from the Diary of Kuladananda Brahmachari 1900AD] His job was to ward off inquisitive worldly people who disturbed the adept's austerities. The chela threw pebbles at Vijaykrishna and his friend, but never actually hitting them and shouted ferociously. The friend ran away to save himself, but Vijayakrishna advanced. Finding the latter to be fearless and stubborn, the chela was very pleased. He offered Vijaya some prasadam(holy food offered to God) which to Vijaya's utter shock was a half burnt human palm! Vijaya declined and was taken inside the cave. Inside he saw a one of a kind sight.
On four sides sat 4 adepts in their respective asanas. They had their own dhoonis (holy fire) and were incessantly engaged in sadhana. All of them were from a different religious tradition and have become one in adepthood. They have lost all personal weakness and pride and were just children of One Single God. One of these adepts were Yogiraj Gambhirnath, another was a Ramaeth Vaishnava Sant, another a Nanakshahi Sikh Mahatma and the fourth was a Sufi Muslim Sage. Its so strange to see that the Mahatmas have reconciled their difference of paths and were worshipping God togather. Gambhirnathji told young Vijaya that he was not his Guru, for such is the will of God. But he taught Vijaya Ajapa pranayama; Vijayakrishna Goswami was taught the same pranayama years later by his Guru and he understood the importance of it 20 years after meeting Gambhirnath. Bijoykrishna Goswami became a famous adept of the Vaishnava Tradition. He was like a Rishi, he spent almost 16 hours in samadhi. It is said that after he was posioned to death, he reentered his own corpse and maintained his life for a few more weeks to end his earthly Karma. He was not an Aghori, by the way.

Aghori is a branch of the Nath Yoga cult. Yogiraj Guru Gorakh Nath arranged the yogis into 12 orders. They are: Kanphat, Aoghar, Machendra, Bhartrihari, Sarangi, Durihar, Kanipa (Kanifnath), Rampanthi, Siddhi-Kerani, Aghori, Yogini and Sanyogi. There is a 13th muslim branch called Ardhyogi.Main pilgrimages of the Nath tradition are: Gorakhpur, Kajli, Peshawar (Pakistan), Dwarka, Haridwar, Pasupatinath (Nepal), Damdama (Kolkata) Mahanaad Jateshwar Temple (Hoogli), Kapildhara (Gaya), Nath Tilla, Mount Ar (Gujarat).

There is a misconception that the legendary sage Trailinga swami of Varanasi was an Aghori. Tailanga Swami was not an Aghori. His real name was Hitlal Mishra, he was the disciple of Swami Bhagirath Saraswati. His monkhood name was Swami Ganapati Saraswati. Had he been an Aghori, he would have been in the Nath Order. He was a fully realised Shaiva Yogi. (a devotee of Shiva) He was well versed in the scriptures and was an adept Hathayogi, Rajayogi and Rasayanik (alchemist). He could transmute matter from one form to another. He once lifted a 1 ton Shiva Lingam from the Ganges and planted (put Life force inside it) in his single room Ashram in Kashi. He was a very huge man and was often seen floating in padmasana, completely nude in the Ganges. When he was doing austerities in the bank of river Narmada and wanted to drink it's water, the whole river turned to milk. Khaki Baba, another yogi witnessed this miracle. Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Yogiraj ShyamaCharan Lahiri, Bama Khepa, Yogiraj Lokenath Brahmachari & Bijoykrishna Goswami met him in his 250 years lifetime. All these facts can be proved from the records of the aforesaid holymen.
Being a devotee of Shiva is different from being an Aghori. There are innumerable subclasses among Shiva worshippers. They are broadly divided into the Right Path ( Dakshina Achara ) and the Left Path ( Vama Achara ). Along the Right path, walk the the Rudradhyai Vedic, Swetashwetara Upanishad Rishis, Patanjal, Raja Yogi, Hatha Yogi and common devotees. The Left path is reserved by the terrible Aghori, Kapalik, Tantrik sadhus. The attitude, sense of sanctity, austerities, mantras and behaviors are radically different between the Right and the Left.
When I was a boy, I met a remarkable sadhu in Rajgir, Bihar, near the hotspring. He was almost 7 feet in height and very strongly built. He looked amazingly nimble for a 50 year old. He was wearing a garland of Rudraksha beads alternating with bones from the human vertibral column; he was unclad except for a small cloth around his loins. He had grey hair cut short on his head. I looked at him in awe ( because he radiated a magnetic personality ) and asked what kind of a sadhu he was. He looked at me kindly and said, "Mai AghorNath hoon, beta." (I am an Aghor Nath, my son.) and walked away. Only after I heard the word "Aghori" and saw the bones, that I felt a little nervous; otherwise he was quite kind and gentle in his manners.