CONVERSATION WITH AN AGHORI BABA IN VARANASI - GAJ MUKTA (ELEPHANT PEARL)

Aghori, is a sect of renegades who proudly reject the trappings of social propriety, sectarian labels, and the world of appearances. Their secretive lifestyle, which includes ritual consecration and consumption of human flesh, and even sexual rites amidst burning pyres, is designed to shock the perceptual framework to break the barriers between what is considered sacred and profane, the holy and unholy—all rigid dichotomies that dominate the bourgeois middle class. Aghors are the only ones willing to please Kali, by “ripping the veil off reality and jumping straight into the abyss,” with no thought to self-preservation or the laws that govern polite society.

The Aghoridemphatically reject Vedic notions of ritual purity, scriptural dogma, and priestly mediation between the world of the mundane, the so-called impure and the divine. They seek to cultivate a state of consciousness, known as Aghor, in which one transmutes and ultimately transcends base sensations like fear, hatred, disgust or discrimination. On attaining this state one does not view the world in dualistic terms of good and evil, sacred and profane, pure and impure—instead of relating to all of manifested reality as attributes of the Great Mother, MA.

Varanasi : Benares : Banaras : Kashi

Varanasi, also referred to as Kashi, Benares, or Banaras, is a city located on the banks of the River Ganga in the Uttar Pradesh state of India. It holds great significance as a holy city for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, and is renowned worldwide for its tourism. With an ancient history, Varanasi is recognized as one of the oldest inhabited cities in India and the world.

Varanasi's extraordinary culture is intrinsically linked to the revered River Ganges due to its religious significance. For many years, this city has been a pivotal hub of culture and spirituality in North India. Notably, Varanasi holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Indian classical music and has been the dwelling place of renowned philosophers, writers, poets, and musicians. Recognized as one of the holiest cities globally, Varanasi holds great religious importance, with Sarnath, a famous tourist destination within Kashi, being the site where Gautama Buddha delivered his initial sermon.

Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is commonly described as the city of temples, the holy city of God in India, the religious hub of the country, the city of enlightenment and education, and one of the oldest inhabited cities on our planet.

Varanasi is Popular for many reasons some of which are:

Varanasi, also known as the City of Lord Shiva, holds a special significance in Hindu mythology. Legend has it that this ancient city was personally created by Lord Shiva himself, thousands of years ago. Today, Varanasi continues to attract countless pilgrims from all corners of India, making it one of the most bustling and sought-after pilgrimage destinations in the country. Additionally, it is widely believed that the very foundation of Varanasi rests upon the mighty trident, or "Trishool," of Lord Shiva, further cementing its divine connection to the deity.