Aghoris: The devout Shiva worshippers
Aghoris are a sect of Shiva worshippers who are mostly found in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India
The Aghoris are the only surviving sect derived from the Kapalika tradition, a tantric, non-Puranic form of Shaiviasm which originated in Medieval India
Aghoris usually engage in post-mortem rituals, often dwell in charnel grounds, smear cremation ashes on their bodies and use bones from human corpses for crafting kapala and jewellery
Aghoris are devotees of Shiva manifested as Bhairava and monists who seek moksha from the cycle of reincarnation or samsara
Aghori rituals, which are performed precisely to oppose notions of purity commonplace in orthodox Hinduism, are typically macabre in nature such as living in cemeteries, smearing cremation ashes on thier bodies, using human skulls for decoration and bowls.
The Aghori tradition is basically categorized under the shamanic marg of sadhana
Another unusual Aghori belief is that they attribute spiritual and physical benefits, such as the prevention of aging, to the consumption of human flesh
Aghoris are not to be confused with Shivnetras, who are ardent devotees of Shivam but do not indulge in extreme, tamasic ritual practices.
Aghoris base their beliefs on two principles common to broader Shaiva beliefs, that Shiva is perfect and Shiva is responsible for everything that occurs
