Vedic Acharyas, Aghoris and Tantrics — Three Guru Traditions

Acharyas are preceptors and expert scholars of religion and the Vedas — primarily Rig and Yajur. They hold a degree in Veda and dedicate themselves to preaching, temple sampradaya poojas, yagnas and rituals for the welfare of the people. Their entire life is devoted to religious development and the spread of Hindu culture.

Aghoris and Sadhus are Shaivaites who practise tantric and non-Vedic Shaivism. Their primary objective is to attain the realm of Bhairav through Moksha — liberation from worldly attachments — using meditation and intense tamasic rituals to realise non-duality (Advaita) with Bhairav.

Aghoris are often confused with Shivnetras, who are also devout worshippers of Lord Shiva but do not practise extreme tamasic rites. Aghoris are not accessible to the general public and are only gathered together at the Kumbh Mela. They will not perform any pooja that grants worldly pleasures; they bless people only to attain non-duality.

Tantrics are intellectuals who studied the Vedas and the Agamas — especially the Atharva — and engaged in Tantra practices to accomplish worldly goals while alive and Moksha after death. Tantra is intended for those who seek both a materialistic existence and spiritual development. Most Tantra practitioners worship over 200 different Devatas.

Only Tantra Gurus may perform Tantric rituals on someone's behalf to fulfil materialistic goals such as power, fame, prosperity, health and wealth. Our Guru lineage is a Tantric Guru lineage that follows the Lord Sri Parashurama Guru tradition, and it is by these approaches that our projects are executed.