Himalayan Chess Academy, one of our valued partners, recently hosted a unique cultural–chess experience in Nepal: “Mystics vs The Mind: A Showdown Between GM David Smerdon and Aghori Babas.” The Aghori Babas are an ascetic Shiva sect known for their fearless discipline and unconventional spiritual path.
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, GM David Smerdon played a 1 vs 10 simultaneous exhibition against the Aghori Baba group, who were led by their chief Harka Raj Rai, former chess player and a FIDE Arbiter.
Significantly, out of the 10 players, 6 were women, including a 10-year-old girl, who previously attended Himalayan Chess Academy’s “Chessart Camp” in April 2024. David Smerdon won all 10 games, but found promise in the Sadhus and encouraged them to keep on playing.
From our Women’s Chess Marathon to Unique Connection
This unique event traces its roots back to the Queen’s Gambit tournament held in August, organized by Himalayan Chess Academy as part of the Women’s Chess Marathon coordinated globally by the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM). During that event, a young female member of the Aghori community participated, with her Aghori group attending to support her.
We learned an incredible fact that the Aghoris regularly play chess in their kutis during their free time, cultivating mental clarity and discipline through the game!
Recognizing this cultural and philosophical connection, Himalayan Chess Academy – together with organiser and WOM Commission member Monalisha Khamboo – helped transform the idea into the special meeting of minds with GM Smerdon.
About the Aghori Participants
As mentioned above – the Aghori Babas are an ascetic Shiva sect known for their strict spiritual discipline, fearlessness, and unconventional practices. Their practices are rooted in the worship of Lord Shiva in his fierce form, Bhairava, focusing on transcending worldly attachments and confronting societal taboos as part of their path to spiritual liberation.
They usually only wear black with hints of red and have ash spread all across their skin. Although often misunderstood due to their appearance and rituals, many Aghori practitioners study philosophy, meditation, and mental discipline – qualities that were evident in their approach to chess. During the event, GM Smerdon was surprised by the high playing level of the Aghoris and expressed his enthusiasm to return to Nepal to play with them again and visit their temple.
A Community Experience of Respect and Learning
During the event the audience had the chance to:
- Interact with both GM Smerdon and the Aghori participants
- Join a Q&A session
- Take photos and witness this rare meeting of two very different traditions
The event concluded successfully, receiving positive feedback from both participants and spectators. It highlighted how chess can serve as a bridge between diverse cultural and spiritual traditions.
Chess as a Bridge Between Worlds that rarely meet
The WOM Commission is proud to highlight how a women-led chess moment – the Women’s Chess Marathon and specifically the event in Nepal, the Queen’s Gambit event – sparked this extraordinary cultural encounter. What began with a young Aghori competing in a women’s tournament grew into a beautiful chess and spiritual exchange.
Chess remains one of humanity’s greatest connectors – across gender, belief, age, and tradition – and this event stands as a beautiful reminder of that truth.
We extend our appreciation to Himalayan Chess Academy and our members Monalisha Khamboo and GM David Smerdon , for their ongoing commitment to purposeful and impactful chess initiatives.
