Aghori in India

Aghori Sadhus worship family deities, but mainly Shiva, one of Hinduism's most important gods. To honor Shiva, Aghori Sadhus sometimes smear the ashes of a dead person all over their bodies. These Hindus also use bones from corpses to craft skull bowls and jewelry, and they worship in haunted houses. These practices are not intended to honor the dead, but rather to please and honor Shiva. Shiva's ability to destroy means that he should be both feared and revered. Shiva is credited with destroying life, something they believe is necessary for new life to emerge. Shivites, as Shiva worshipers are called, have no room in their hearts for the God of creation, since they regard Shiva as his superior. They worship out of fear, not because they are seeking righteousness.

Ministry Obstacles
The Aghori Sadhus are greatly revered by their peers. The term sadhu means "holy person," or "one set apart." The Aghori Sadhus are a small but influential group among serious Hindus. Their high status is likely to give them pride, which can keep them away from God.

Scripture Focus
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!"  Psalm 111:10

Scripture Prayer
Pray for fear of the Lord and wisdom to come to this people group.

Prayer Focus
Pray that the spiritual bondage that the Aghori Sadhus live under would be broken. Pray for spiritual truth to break into their lives. Pray that God would equip and prepare the right believers to take Christ to the Aghori Sadhu community.

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