The Aghori monks of Varanasi are feared throughout India for their extreme practices The monks are said to be able to predict the future and make evil prophecies The exiled tribe believe in engaging in taboo practices in search of spiritual enlightenment

By Sarah Gordon for MailOnline

Published: 05:04 EST, 2 March 2015 | Updated: 16:21 EST, 3 March 2015

11k shares

460

View comments

Feared across India, the exiled Aghori monks of Varanasi feast on human flesh and reside near cremation sites in search of spiritual enlightenment.

Showing the monks with painted faces and beads strung around their necks, these incredible images were taken by Italian photographer Cristiano Ostinelli, who spent time with the tribe to discover more about their way of life.

The mysterious tribe members live in cemeteries and feast on human flesh as part of their rituals, as well as drinking from human skulls, chewing the heads off live animals and meditating on top of cadavers in search of spiritual enlightenment.

The Aghori monks of Varanasi are feared throughout India and are believed to be able to see the future

Read more:

Incredible images show life of India's cannibal Aghori tribe