Indian Ascetic Stands for Five Years in Extreme Religious Vow

An Indian ascetic has remained on his feet continuously for five years as part of an unusual religious vow, believing that he will receive a special spiritual revelation when it ends. The man has become a local curiosity and a destination for onlookers drawn by the severity of his self-imposed discipline.

According to the report, he does not sit down, does not stretch out his legs, and even sleeps suspended in a special harness that keeps his body upright. The vow has taken a serious toll on his health, because his legs have suffered from poor blood circulation, swelling dramatically and turning very dark in color.

Local volunteers have been trying to ease his suffering by applying various ointments to his damaged legs, but he remains determined to complete the full period of austerity. He believes that once the vow is fulfilled, he will gain powerful internal spiritual energy and experience a divine revelation.