An Aghori sadhu at the ghat which serves as the main cremation site in Varanasi (fig.) has just applied vibhuti, i.e. sacred ash, to his body and face, which he took from the remains of a cremation fire.

It symbolizes the destruction of his karma in the fire of austerity and represents his triumph over death. On the stairs in the back a stretcher with a dead body awaiting cremation is visible.