Exorcism in Hinduism

Short description: none

In many Hindu traditions, it is a belief that people can be possessed by entities such as Bhoot,[1] Pret, Pisach, Dain, Nishi, and Jatak.[2] Exorcism is used to removed the possessing entity. The exorcism is often done by use of mantra (chanting of phases from Hindu Vedic scriptures of a deity). This is sometimes accompanied by a yajna (a special hawan with special ingredients is performed for the exorcism)[3]

## Contents

* 1 Places of exorcism
* 2 Exorcism
* 2.1 Mantras
* 3 References

## Places of exorcism

Some temples in India host exorcism rituals such as Kamkhya Temple (Assam), Tarapith Temple (West Bengal), Dattatrya Mandir (Karnatka),[4] and Mehandipur Balaji Temple (Rajasthan).[5]

## Exorcism

In Vaishnavism, exorcisms are performed by reciting names of Narasimha, as he is considered a fierce god who eliminates and vanquishes evil spirits.[6]

In Natha Sampradaya, Kaal Bhairav is fierce god who is a manifestation, or avatar of Shiva.[7] Many mantra and rituals are used by Nath's to perform exorcism. Some Mantras also known as Shabar Mantra are majorly used.[8]

Some people also consider chanting or reading Hanuman Chalisa for protection from evil spirits and negativity and to discard them. Hanuman is considered very powerful and many evil spirits and entities are terrified of his presence, as he is the most devoted and loved devotee of Rama.[9]

### Mantras

There are several mantas from different deities which are used for the act of exorcism.

As per Shakti Upasana the mantras of Kali, Tara and Bhairavi are used they are referred as the supreme goddess to vanquish all kind of evil entities and spirits and often a sacrificial ritual bali is done to complete the act. In Tantra or tantric sect this method of exorcism is highly accepted.[10]

## References

1. ↑ "Bhut | Hindu Mythology, Meaning & Ghost" (in en). https://www.britannica.com/topic/bhut.
2. ↑ Bhattacharyya, Narendra Nath (2000) (in en). Indian Demonology: The Inverted Pantheon. Manohar Publishers & Distributors. ISBN 978-81-7304-309-3. https://books.google.com/books?id=7HjXAAAAMAAJ.
3. ↑ Vishveshvar Press Varanasi. Uddish Tantra Of Ravan With Bhasha Tika Of Rameshvar Datta By Babu Baijanath Prasad Vishveshvar Press Varanasi. https://archive.org/details/jCPJ_uddish-tantra-of-ravan-with-bhasha-tika-of-rameshvar-datta-by-babu-baijanath-pra/page/n35/mode/2up.
4. ↑ "8 temples in India known for exorcism practices". https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/web-stories/8-temples-in-india-known-for-exorcism-practices/photostory/108265679.cms.
5. ↑ Iwanek, Krzysztof (2018). "Gods Against Ghosts: The Exorcisms of India's Mehandipur Balaji" (in en-US). https://thediplomat.com/2018/06/gods-against-ghosts-the-exorcisms-of-indias-mehandipur-balaji/.
6. ↑ Hunt, Holly A. (2009). Emotional Exorcism: Expelling the Four Psychological Demons That Make Us Backslide. Contemporary Psychology. Santa Barbara, California: Praeger. doi:10.5040/9798400645266. ISBN 979-8-4006-4526-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.5040/9798400645266.
7. ↑ "Bhuta Damara Tantra (An Authoritative Tantra of Sri Krodha Bhairava Along with His Mantras, Mandal Worship Rituals and Accomplishment Rituals of Bhutinis, Yakshinis, Snake-Girls etc.) | Exotic India Art" (in en). https://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/bhuta-damara-tantra-authoritative-tantra-of-sri-krodha-bhairava-along-with-his-mantras-mandal-worship-rituals-and-accomplishment-rituals-of-bhutinis-yakshinis-snake-girls-etc-nak836/.
8. ↑ "भैरव तन्त्र रहस्य और भीषण भैरव शाबर- Bhairav Tantra Rahasya and Bhishir Bhairav Shabar | Exotic India Art" (in en). https://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/bhairav-tantra-rahasya-and-bhishir-bhairav-shabar-pzz904/.
9. ↑ hanumanji.co.in (2024-08-18). "Why Hanumanji is known as Balaji? -" (in en-US). https://hanumanji.co.in/why-hanumanji-is-known-as-balaji/.
10. ↑ Vishveshvar Press Varanasi. Uddish Tantra Of Ravan With Bhasha Tika Of Rameshvar Datta By Babu Baijanath Prasad Vishveshvar Press Varanasi. https://archive.org/details/jCPJ_uddish-tantra-of-ravan-with-bhasha-tika-of-rameshvar-datta-by-babu-baijanath-pra/page/n35/mode/2up.

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