Sadhu Bharati Indian man who vowed not to give up his hand Country: India

Biography of Sadhu Amar Bharati

Sadhu Amar Bharati, an Indian holy man, has been holding his right hand above his head for forty years. He has not lowered his hand since 1973. Over the years, his right hand has transformed into a bony and withered appendage, as he has not used it for four decades. He raised it as a sign of reverence to the god Shiva.

It is said that Sadhu Amar Bharati led an ordinary life until 1970. He had a job, a wife, and three children. He was an average Indian living a comfortable life. However, one beautiful morning, he realized that he no longer belonged to his family or himself – he belonged to God. And so, Sadhu embarked on a journey across India. After several years of wandering, he took a vow and raised his right hand, promising not to lower it for the next forty years. It was the year 1973. Some say he raised his hand as an act of humility and repentance, while others claim it was a protest against wars on Earth.

With his right hand raised, Sadhu Amar Bharati has lived for forty long years. During these decades, his hand, which he did not use at all, has become atrophied and lifeless, consisting of dry skin and bones. It remains in a semi-raised position with long curled nails. Later, Sadhu admitted that he experienced pain in the beginning as his body resisted this unfamiliar intervention. However, he endured, as a vow is a vow.

Today, Sadhu's hand no longer bothers him and serves as a reminder of his spiritual strength, devotion to the gods, and personal humility. Interestingly, he has gained followers over the years. Some have raised their hands seven years ago, others thirteen, and one even twenty-five years ago. While such vows may seem strange to the rest of the world, they are understood by the people of India. Some take vows to stand on swollen feet for their entire lives without sitting, while others remain silent for decades. And Sadhu Amar Bharati continues to live with his right hand raised above his head.