The Aghori sect of Hinduism is known for its unique rituals, including using human skulls for worship. While the practice may seem shocking to outsiders, it has a deep and spiritual significance to those who practice it.
What Is an Aghori?
An Aghori is a Hindu ascetic who follows the path of “vama marga,” or left-hand path. They are devotees of Lord Shiva and follow a lifestyle that goes against the grain of traditional Hinduism.
Aghoris reject the idea of duality – good versus evil – and strive to live in harmony with all aspects of life. Their practices are extreme, but they believe they bring them closer to their ultimate goal: moksha (liberation).
Why Do Aghoris Use Human Skulls?
The use of human skulls by Aghoris can be traced back to ancient India, where they were believed to have magical properties. In some parts of India, human skulls were used as currency. It was also believed that offering prayers at sites where human remains were buried could bring forth supernatural powers.
In addition, the use of human skulls serves as a reminder that life is fleeting and death awaits us all. The skull also serves as an object onto which devotees can focus their meditations on achieving moksha.
“It’s not just about looking at something frightening,” says Dr. Shankar Nair, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago’s Divinity School. “It’s about accepting death as part of life.”
How Do Aghoris Worship Using Human Skulls?
A typical ritual involving a human skull begins with chanting mantras and offering flowers or incense to Lord Shiva while holding the skull in one hand.
Afterward, devotees will often perform tarpanam (offerings) over burning cow dung cakes while reciting special mantras from scriptures such as Rudra Yajurveda or Atharva Veda.
The devotee then pours ghee into his cupped hands and offers it into the skull before drinking its contents slowly through his right nostril three times each day for nine days straight.
Conclusion
For many followers of vama marga, using a human skull in worship is seen as an important part of their spiritual journey towards enlightenment and liberation from worldly suffering. While it may seem unusual or even shocking to outsiders, there is no denying that this practice has been carried out by generations upon generations within Hinduism since ancient times.
