Aghori Sadhus: His Shadow

Smeared in human ash
Unkempt, but proud

I seek the truth
Disavowed

Amalgamation
Life and death

Naked he lies
Beneath my flesh

Solace
In pain I find

Walking the reality
Day and the night

Intoxication
Smoke of Moksha
A part of me

Necessary
Closer to HIM I will be

Living in the place
You find it dark

My home there
A phase ends
And a new one starts

Feeding on the flesh
The blood of the gone

No Idols
I meditate
Closer, second to none

I fear no one
Nor fear I instill

Lost in reverence
All-around
Happens on his will

I see around
The flames envelop the ground

A reality you fear
The truth nowhere else to be found

I bow to HIM
I bow to HER

The Destroyer
The Life
Both are one

I feel Him near
A force unmatched

His path I will follow
Forever, he will rule my head

Image from Quora

Synopsis: The poem talks about an Ascetic community – Aghori Sadhus who revere Lord Shiva, one of the supreme deities in Hinduism. Lord Shiva is one of the Holy Trinity in Hinduism, the other two being Brahma and Vishnu. Where Brahma is considered the CREATOR, Vishnu is considered the PRESERVER, Shiva is the DESTROYER.

Aghori practices and rituals are considered to be extreme when compared to other Sadhu communities. Aghori Sadhus live near cemeteries or crematoriums. They may practice Cannibalism which is part of their identity. Aghori Sadhus also use Marijuana, etc. for intoxication. It is said that intoxication leads them closer to Lord Shiva. As Lord Shiva is also the DESTROYER, Aghoris smear themselves with human ash.

Aghoris mean no harm. They have their own world of spirituality. It is just that their features and way of living creates fear among common people.