An Indian holy man, Amar Bharati, has drawn global attention for maintaining an extraordinary religious vow that has kept his right arm raised continuously for more than five decades.
Bharati, a Hindu sadhu, is said to have kept his right hand lifted since 1973 as an act of devotion to the Hindu deity Shiva and as a personal prayer for global peace and an end to violence.
Before embracing a spiritual life, Bharati reportedly lived an ordinary life as a bank employee. He was married, had three sons and enjoyed a stable family life before deciding to leave behind his career and possessions to become a religious ascetic.
Several years after beginning his spiritual journey, he made the decision to permanently raise his right arm, believing the gesture would symbolise his commitment to peace and his devotion to Shiva.
The decision came with years of physical suffering. During the early stages of his vow, Bharati reportedly endured intense pain as his arm remained suspended.
Over time, however, the limb became permanently fixed in position. The muscles gradually deteriorated from prolonged inactivity, making it impossible for him to lower the arm. His fingernails also continued to grow over the years, becoming unusually long and curled.
Despite the physical consequences, Bharati has continued to uphold the vow and says he has found spiritual fulfilment through the sacrifice.
According to accounts of his life, he believes the commitment has brought him inner peace and a deeper sense of harmony.
His determination has also inspired other Hindu sadhus to undertake similar acts of devotion. Some have reportedly kept an arm raised for seven, 13 and even 25 years.
Even so, Bharati’s more than five decades with his arm raised remains one of the longest-known examples of such a religious practice, making him one of India’s most remarkable spiritual figures.
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