An aghori is a practitioner of the spiritual discipline known as aghora which can be interpreted as ‘deeper than deep’ or ‘the left-hand path.’ Aghora is part of what Hindus call Tantra. I think for my purpose the best way to define Tantra is Hindu mysticism. which may be a simplification but that’s the best definition I can come up with. Tantrics’ are to Hinduism what Sufis are to Islam, mystics attempting a more direct or personal experience with God.

Ritualized necrophilia, ritualized cannibalism or the consumption of human flesh, excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs are all part of the aghori way. According to one aghori, ‘Only those who can lay aside all their cultural clothing and plunge into it naked can dive into its depths.’