Maha Kumbh 2025: What is the difference between Naga Sadhu and Aghori Sadhu? Whom do they worship and what are the rules for both

What is the difference between Naga Sadhu and Aghori Sadhu? – Photo: Adobe Stock

Maha Kumbh 2025: In Sanatan Dharma, Naga Sadhus are considered the protectors of religion, while Aghori Sadhus are famous for their amazing and mysterious practices. However, the methods of penance, lifestyle, meditation and diet of Aghori and Naga Sadhu are different.

Maha Kumbh 2025: The world’s largest religious fair Maha Kumbh, on the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, has started from January 13, 2025, which will run till February 26, 2025. Apart from saints and sages, devotees from all over the world are arriving to take a bath in the holy confluence in Maha Kumbh. More than 40 crore devotees are expected to reach Maha Kumbh this time. So far more than 7 crore devotees have reached the Maha Kumbh fair. Naga Sadhus are the center of most attraction in Maha Kumbh. Today we will tell you what is the difference between Aghori and Naga Sadhu.

In Sanatan Dharma, Naga Sadhus are considered to be the protectors of religion, while Aghori Sadhus are famous for their amazing and mysterious practices. However, the methods of penance, lifestyle, meditation and diet of Aghori and Naga Sadhu are different. But both worship Shiva. Naga sadhus and Aghori babas have to do rigorous penance for 12 years. Aghoris do sadhna in crematoriums and spend time there for years.

What is the difference between Naga Sadhu and Aghori Sadhu? – Photo: Adobe Stock

Who are Naga Sadhus?

Naga Sadhus are definitely discussed among the sages and saints. Naga Sadhus do not wear clothes. They remain naked even in the harsh cold. They keep applying Dhuni or Bhasm on their body. Naga Sanyasis remain naked throughout their life. They consider themselves to be the messengers of God. The main objective of Naga Sadhus is to protect the religion and to be proficient in the knowledge of the scriptures. Naga Sadhus are associated with Akharas. They propagate religion. Naga Sadhus are known for their rigorous penance and physical strength. Naga Sadhus apply the Bhabhut of Havan on their body.

What is the difference between Naga Sadhu and Aghori Sadhu? – Photo:Arrangements

The process of becoming a Naga Sanyasi is considered to be very long and difficult. Naga Sanyasi is made by Akhadas. Adiguru Shankaracharya established Akhadas in the eighth century to protect Sanatan Dharma. There are mainly 13 Akhadas in India. Every Akhada has its own beliefs and traditions and Naga Sadhu is initiated accordingly. In many Akhadas, Naga Sadhus are also called Bhutto. After joining the Akhada, they are given all the small tasks to do along with Guru Seva.

What is the difference between a Naga Sadhu and an Aghori Sadhu? – Photo: Arrangements

The life of Naga Sadhus is very complicated. It is said that it takes a long time of 12 years for any person to become a Naga Sadhu. After becoming a Naga Sadhu, he leaves the crowded life of village or city and goes to the forests on the mountains to live. His abode is at a place where no one comes and goes. In the Akharas, Naga Sadhus are taught to live a disciplined and organized life.

6 years are very important in the process of becoming a Naga Sadhu. During this time, he acquires the necessary information to become a Naga Sadhu. During this period, he wears only a loincloth. He takes a vow in the Kumbh Mela, after which he abandons even the loincloth and does not wear clothes for the rest of his life. The most important thing is that he does not sleep on the bed.

What is the difference between a Naga Sadhu and an Aghori Sadhu? – Photo: Arrangements

At the beginning of the process of becoming a Naga Sadhu, one has to first take the education of celibacy. After getting success in this, Mahapurush Diksha is given. After this, Yagyopavit takes place. After completing this process, he does Pinddaan for himself and his family which is called Bijwan.

Naga Sadhus are allowed to beg alms from only seven houses in a day. If they do not get alms in these houses, then they have to remain hungry. Naga Sanyasis eat only once a day. Naga Sadhus always remain naked and are proficient in the art of war. They live in different Akharas. Most of the Naga Sanyasis live in Juna Akhara.

What is the difference between Naga Sadhu and Aghori Sadhu? – Photo: Adobe Stock

It is said that Naga Sadhus have mysterious powers. They acquire these powers after performing rigorous penance. But it is said that they never misuse their powers. They solve people’s problems with their powers.

In Hinduism, there is a belief of cremating the dead body of any human being after his death, which has been going on for centuries. But the bodies of Naga Sadhus are not cremated. Naga ascetics are cremated after death by giving them Bhu-Samadhi. Naga Sadhus are given Bhu-Samadhi by making them sit in the posture of Siddha Yoga.

What is the difference between Naga Sadhu and Aghori Sadhu? – Photo: Adobe Stock

Who are Aghori Sadhus?

Aghori Sadhus are known for their amazing and mysterious practices. Human skull is the special symbol of Aghori Sadhus. The word Aghori means towards light in culture. It is believed that Aghori Sadhus are exclusive devotees of Lord Shiva. They keep human skulls with them, which is a symbol of their devotion. It is said that they eat food in human skulls only. Lord Dattatreya is considered the guru of Aghori Sadhu. Lord Dattatreya is said to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.

What is the difference between Naga Sadhu and Aghori Sadhu? – Photo: Adobe Stock

Aghori sadhus stay away from the traditions of the world and understand the mysteries of life and death. Aghori sadhus remain absorbed in meditation and worship only Lord Shiva. Like Naga sadhus, Aghori babas also do not have much to do with society. Naga sadhus worship the ascetic form of Lord Shiva, while Aghoris worship Kala Bhairava, the fierce form of Lord Shiva.

What is the difference between a Naga Sadhu and an Aghori Sadhu? – Photo: Arrangements

They do sadhna by staying in a place like crematorium, which shows their renunciation. The use of human head in their sadhna is symbolic. It is believed that it is a symbol of the cycle of death and life. Aghori sadhus consume meat. They even eat raw meat of animals. Usually Aghoris wear black clothes or many even remain naked. Aghoris apply ashes of crematorium on their body. Aghori Baba covers the lower part of the body with animal skin or any normal cloth. He wears only black clothes.