Knowledge Bank

Who are Aghoris?

Aghoris are ascetics who worship Lord Shiva in his powerful and fierce form, Aghora. Despite the name 'Aghora' meaning 'not terrifying,' this form of Shiva is both fearsome and deeply respected. The Aghoris are known for breaking all social rules and living outside normal boundaries. They are fearless and live in cremation grounds or isolated places. They use a human skull as a bowl and are said to eat anything, even things like dung or human flesh. Their practices make them both respected and feared by people. Many admire their devotion, but others avoid them because of their extreme way of life.

Reprehensible marriages

Reprehensible marriages are forms of marriage deemed reprehensible by the Dharma Shastras. These include four types: asura (marriage by paying money for the bride), gandharva (love marriage), rakshasa (marriage through forcible abduction), and paishacha (marriage by exploiting an insentient woman). While asura and gandharva marriages are tolerated to some extent, rakshasa and paishacha marriages are strongly condemned. Despite their reprehensible nature, all these forms are legally recognized to ensure the woman receives the legal rights of a wife, irrespective of the marriage's circumstances. This legal stance underscores the importance of protecting women's rights in all marital contexts.