What is a Sadhu?
Sadhus are holy men (always men) in who have renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual practices and enlightenment.
Living lives of extreme simplicity, self-discipline, and self-control, they forsake possessions, family, and even the comforts of home to focus entirely on meditation and the pursuit of moksha—liberation from the cycle of life and death. Many are drawn to Varanasi where they believe the path to enlightenment is most accessible.
We first encountered Sadhus in Varanasi. Varanasi was our favourite trip, get inspired to visit by checking out: Discovering Varanasi and Sarnath: A Tale of Mystical Ghats and Buddhist Heritage
Different Sects of Sadhus
Sadhus align themselves with different sects, each devoted to a particular deity or concept in Hinduism. The most common affiliations are with the main gods, Shiva and Vishnu, but some Sadhus are devoted to Shakti—that feminine energy that is the ultimate source of power in the universe.
Appearance of a Sadhu:
There will of course be differences, but the following are common:
- Ash: They cover their faces with sacred ash, symbolising death and rebirth. This may be spread all over or with the prominent tilakas (symbols) to Shiva or Vishnu on their foreheads.
- Long Matted Hair: This iconic feature is often associated with Lord Shiva, who is traditionally depicted with matted hair. The uncut, tangled hair of a Sadhu represents their renunciation of vanity and their connection to the divine.
- Simple Clothing: Sadhus typically wear saffron or white robes, reflecting purity and detachment from worldly desires. Many go barefoot, and even in the coldest winters, reflecting their detachment from physical comfort.
- Facial Hair: Many Sadhus allow their beards and moustaches to grow naturally.
Many Sadhus are respected members of their communities and lead social gatherings or religious festivals. These tend to wear more prominent and brighter clothing.
Have they always been a Sadhu?
Not necessarily. There are many examples when men having been living a conventional life with job, wife and children and then abandon all that to become a Sadhu.
Do Sadhus use cremation ash?
You may have heard that the ash smeared on the bodies of Sadhus, particularly in Varanasi, is cremation ash. Naturally curious, I asked our guide in Varanasi if this was true. To my relief, the answer was “no”—at least, not for most Sadhus. But then he added, “That’s what Aghoris do!” Intrigued, I delved deeper into this mysterious sect.
I had never heard of an Aghori before then, so I had to research it afterwards. This is what I found out.
Who are Aghoris?
They are a small group of Shaiva (i.e. Shiva following) sadhus who aim to confront death by embracing practices that are taboo.
What are their beliefs?
Aghoris believe that everything in the universe is divine, and therefore, nothing can be impure. Therefore they wish to break free from the illusion of duality: pure vs impure, good vs evil etc. They engage in extreme practices that are meant to shatter societal conventions which reinforce that ideal of duality and in doing so bring them closer to spiritual enlightenment.
What types of practices?
The use of cremation ash is a common one. They also directly confront death and hence may mediate in cremation grounds or use human body parts in rituals. I even found stories of cannibalism.
How Do Sadhus and Aghoris Differ?
While Sadhus are generally well-integrated into society, respected for their spiritual devotion and often participating in festivals and pilgrimages, Aghoris are more isolated due to their unconventional and often frightening practices. The differences in appearance can be subtle, but there are a few key indicators:
- Bone Ornaments: Aghoris may wear jewellery made from bones or carry human skulls, which they use in their rituals.
- Minimal Clothing: Aghoris often wear little more than a loincloth or are entirely naked
- Colour of Ash: Cremation ash would tend to be darker in colour than the sacred ash typically used by Sadhus.
Conclusion:
A more accurate answer to my question would have been “Only very few of them do!” On reflection, I am glad he answered me in the way he did. Although now I know that if I do see a naked, dark-ash covered gentleman carrying a human skull, I will give them a wide berth.
