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Panch-Agni
Tapasya Pashupatinath, Kathmandu, Nepal |
A group of sadhus engage in an austerity called the panch-agni-tapasya, or five fire practice, in which pieces of burning cow dung are placed around the sadhu as he meditates or performs hatha yoga. Over a cycle of eighteen years, the sadhu increases the number of fires from five at the beginning to a full ring complete with a pot of burning cow dung on the head by the end. During this austerity, usually practiced during the height of summer heat, the sadhu ability to remain focused on his chosen mantra and deity is severely tested. |