Misconceptions over Akhanda's Aghora mannerisms

Balakrishna's Akhanda directed by Boyapati Srinu is driving masses crazy. However, those who saw the film are wondering whether Balakrsihna's portrayal and depiction of aghora is loaded with facts or fiction. The moment one thinks of an aghora, people expect a naked Sadhu full of the sacred ash. Because since childhood people are taught that aghoras roam naked applying sacred ash and in the burial grounds and they will be seen in and around Kashi and Varanasi and they stay way from the world and appear only during kumbh melas.

When the talk of Balakrishna starring as Aghora came, everyone got stunned thinking of Balakrishna as Aghora in that avatar. Akhanda narration also starts with a child taken to Varanasi or Kashi and he was left to grow there. Then naturally people wonder that when Balakrishna became an aghora in Kashi, then how come he is seen covering himself fully if not shown as bare-chested.

Some fans and critics supported that aghoras in Srisailam do wear outfits. But this is not a valid explanation. There are many misconceptions over Aghora and Thaman and Boyapati went on record that they have conducted extensive research. However, for all the misconceptions over Balakrishna's Aghora character, the character turned out to be just another routine mass character going on a killing spree in an unbelievable manner showcasing his supernatural powers. Except for reciting a few Sanskrit slokas and holy verses from Hindu scriptures which most of the times looked forced except during the scene when he eliminates Varadarajulu (Srikanth), the entire Aghora role as Akhanda is just a mass character. Since it is a film, the makers have taken few cinematic liberties.

But one should be clear of the misconceptions. There are different types in agoras. They are Naga Sadhus and Aghori Babas. Not all aghoras roam naked.  The Naga Sadhus usually wander around naked and the Aghori baba normally wears some animal skin clothing or any other cloth to cover their lower part of the body. Generally Naga Sadhus do as they believe relinquishing everything will free them from all bonds. Both follow extremely difficult tests and perform tapas for 12 years. Naga Sadhus pursue education in akharas and become sadhus. Aghora Babas spend time in the burial ground. Both worship Lord Shiva in a different manner. A person can become a Naga Sadhu only with the help of a Guru. However, any person can become Aghora performing tough Tapasya in the burial ground. Both Aghoris and Naga Sadhus consume meat but only Aghori baba's eat human flesh. While Aghoris are the form of Lord Shiva, Aghori Baba is believed to be the living form of Lord Shiva in Kaliyuga. Aghori Babas are not seen anywhere and seeing them is akin to having a darshan of Lord Shiva. Considering all these facts, Balakrishna as an Aghora named Akhanda is not an aghora but an Aghori Baba, Lord Shiva himself.