By Paul Joseph
An Indian Hindu monk, Daulat Giri Ji Maharaj, has drawn worldwide attention after reportedly spending the last five years without sitting or lying down as part of an extraordinary 12-year spiritual vow aimed at attaining a divine vision of Lord Shiva.
The ascetic, also known as Dulal Giri Ji Maharaj, is practising Khade Shri Tapasya (also called Khadeshwari Tapasya), an ancient form of Hindu penance in which devotees remain standing continuously for years as an act of extreme devotion and self-discipline.
The practice is rooted in the Sanskrit concept of tapas or tapasya, which emphasises sacrifice, austerity and spiritual purification.
According to reports, Maharaj abandoned his university education to dedicate his life entirely to spirituality, believing that enduring prolonged physical suffering would bring him closer to Lord Shiva.
To fulfil the demanding vow, the monk does not use a bed. Instead, he rests by leaning against a specially constructed wooden support suspended by iron chains, allowing him to sleep while remaining upright. Temple volunteers assist him daily by applying medicinal ointments to his legs and monitoring his condition.
Images and videos that recently went viral on social media show the monk with severely swollen and darkened legs, sparking widespread debate over the physical consequences of his devotion. Many users expressed admiration for his commitment, while others voiced concern about the apparent deterioration of his health.
Medical experts say prolonged standing can significantly impair blood circulation, causing blood to pool in the lower limbs. This may lead to chronic swelling, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and other potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Some online observers have speculated that the monk’s swollen legs resemble conditions such as lymphedema or even gangrene, although there has been no official medical diagnosis confirming either condition.
Maharaj is reportedly a member of the Khareshwari, or “Standing Babas,” a sect of Hindu ascetics known for undertaking prolonged standing vows as a form of penance intended to purify the soul and deepen spiritual connection with Lord Shiva. Members often rely on specially designed harnesses, ropes or swings to rest without breaking their vows.
His story has also revived interest in other Hindu ascetics known for extraordinary acts of devotion, including Amar Bharati, who has famously kept one arm raised since 1973 as a symbol of peace and devotion to Lord Shiva.
Despite the visible toll on his body, Maharaj remains determined to complete the remaining seven years of his vow. Supporters describe his endurance as an expression of unwavering faith, while critics argue that glorifying such extreme practices could encourage dangerous acts of self-harm.
For now, the monk continues his journey, hoping that his years of sacrifice will culminate in the spiritual vision he has sought through one of Hinduism’s most demanding forms of asceticism.
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