The Aghori are a Hindu sect believed to have split off from the Kapalika order (which dates from 1000 AD) in the fourteenth century . Most other Hindus condemn them as non-Hindu because of their cannibalistic rituals. Aghoris or Aughads command extreme reverence from rural populations as they are supposed to possess powers to heal and relieve pain gained due to their intense practices.

Aghori ascetics, while being devotees of the Hindu God Shiva, are monists who adhere to the common Hindu belief in liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of reincarnation (samsara). This liberation is a realization of the self’s identity with the absolute.

.In essence, Aghoris base their beliefs on two principles. First, that Lord Shiva is perfect. Second, that Shiva is responsible for everything; every rock, tree, animal, and even every thought. Due to this, everything that exists must be perfect, and to deny the perfection of anything would be to deny the Gods. Aghoris eat any form of food and toxicant, engage in a variety of sexual practices, ritually and otherwise and also allegedly meditate on dead bodies

The Aghori ascetic is himself a symbol of the God Shiva. He goes naked or wears the shroud of a corpse, he covers himself in the ashes of the cremation ground.