An Indian monk who hasn’t sat down since 2021, as part of a spiritual vow, is committed to continuing for another seven years despite severe warning signs from his body.
Five years ago, Daulat Giri Ji Maharaj set out to spend 12 years without ever sitting down.
Maharaj belongs to a group called the Khareshwari, or “Standing Babas,” whose members vow to remain standing at all times as a form of spiritual devotion, as they believe the practice cleanses the soul and brings them closer to the goddess Shiva. Shiva is regarded in Hindu tradition as both a destroyer and enabler of rebirth.
The physical cost of the spiritual vow
To stay upright, Maharaj now has to rely on harnesses and swings, because his legs have grown too weak and damaged to support him on their own. His legs have become swollen and discolored over the past five years.
According to medical experts, standing for extended periods forces the veins in the legs to work against gravity to return blood to the heart.
Without the natural pumping motion that comes from walking or sitting, blood pools in the lower legs, leading to swelling and pain that can, over time, escalate into more dangerous conditions like deep vein thrombosis.
Reports from India suggest Maharaj also gave up his university education entirely to pursue his vow and despite the risks, he’s shown no sign of stopping. He’s said he intends to complete the full 12 years, relying on volunteers to help care for him as his body continues to bear the strain.
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