Nazar Dosh Nivaran Puja: A Sacred Ritual to Remove the Evil Eye

In Indian culture and many other traditions around the world, the belief in the “evil eye,” or negative energies that can harm an individual, is widespread. This belief, often referred to as “Nazar” in Hindi, is based on the idea that an envious or malicious glance from someone can cause misfortune, illness, or bad luck. The remedy for this affliction is a specific spiritual practice known as the Nazar Dosh Nivaran Puja. This ancient ritual is performed to protect against the harmful effects of the evil eye and restore harmony, health, and prosperity to a person’s life.

Understanding Nazar Dosh

The term Nazar (or Drishti) is derived from Sanskrit and means “sight” or “glance.” Dosh, on the other hand, refers to an affliction or defect. Together, Nazar Dosh signifies the harm or negative influence caused by an evil glance. This belief has been part of Indian folklore for centuries, with references to similar practices found in many cultures worldwide, including the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern societies.

The concept of the evil eye rests on the idea that certain individuals possess, either knowingly or unknowingly, the power to project negative energy through their eyes or thoughts. This negative energy can lead to physical illness, emotional distress, financial loss, or general misfortune. People often report feeling exhausted, irritable, or unlucky after being subjected to an envious gaze, and many attribute this to the presence of Nazar Dosh.

Symptoms of Nazar Dosh

The symptoms of being afflicted by Nazar Dosh can vary, but some of the most common signs include:

1. Sudden illnesses or unexplained physical ailments, particularly headaches or stomach aches.
2. Children become unusually irritable or restless without any clear reason.
3. Financial setbacks or business losses that happen unexpectedly.
4. Breakdowns in relationships or a sudden increase in conflicts within a family.
5. Lack of success in academic or professional endeavours despite consistent effort.
6. General unease, anxiety, or fatigue that seems to have no medical explanation.

In children, who are often seen as particularly vulnerable to Nazar, common signs include excessive crying, trouble sleeping, and unexplained health issues. Adults, too, can experience its effects through frequent accidents, financial strain, or disruptions in daily life.

The Importance of Nazar Dosh Nivaran Puja

The Nazar Dosh Nivaran Puja is a traditional Hindu ritual performed to counteract and neutralize the effects of Nazar Dosh. It is believed to create a spiritual shield around the person, home, or object (such as a business or a vehicle) that has been affected, thereby removing negative influences and restoring balance.

This puja holds immense importance in households that believe in the concept of the evil eye, and it is especially common in Indian families. The ritual is typically performed by a learned priest (Pandit) who is familiar with the chants, mantras, and procedures necessary to invoke divine protection.

By performing the Nazar Dosh Nivaran Puja, devotees seek the blessings of various deities, including Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga, who are believed to possess the power to dispel evil forces. These divine entities are invoked to shield the individual from harm, ensure good health, and bring prosperity back into their life.

The Procedure of Nazar Dosh Nivaran Puja

The Nazar Dosh Nivaran Puja can be conducted in several ways, depending on the specific traditions followed by different families or regions. However, some key steps are common to most versions of the puja:

1. Purification: The ritual begins with the purification of the space where the puja will be held. The priest may sprinkle holy water (Ganga Jal) around the area to cleanse it of negative energy. The affected individual or family members are also cleansed with holy water.
2. Offering to Deities: The priest then invokes the blessings of various deities, particularly those who are believed to offer protection from evil influences. Lord Hanuman is commonly worshipped in this puja because of his association with strength and his ability to remove fear. Offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, and lighted lamps (diya) are made to the gods.
3. Recitation of Mantras: The core of the Nazar Dosh Nivaran Puja involves the chanting of powerful mantras. These mantras are believed to have the ability to dispel negative energy and protect the person from further harm. The priest may recite specific Nazar Dosh mantras, or general mantras dedicated to the deities, such as the Hanuman Chalisa or Durga Saptashati.
4. Use of Protective Items: Some families use certain objects to absorb or deflect negative energy. This might include items such as red chilies, mustard seeds, salt, or lemons, which are believed to attract and neutralize the evil eye. These items are often rotated around the affected person’s head and then discarded in a specific manner, such as burning them or throwing them into a running stream.
5. Final Aarti and Blessings: The puja concludes with the offering of aarti, where a lighted lamp is rotated in front of the deities, followed by the distribution of prasadam (holy food) to the participants. The priest may offer personal blessings to the family and suggest ongoing remedies to prevent further affliction by Nazar Dosh.

Preventing Nazar Dosh

While the Nazar Dosh Nivaran Puja is an effective way to cleanse an individual of the evil eye, many households also take preventative steps to avoid being affected in the first place. Some common preventative measures include:

• Tying black threads around the wrists or ankles or wearing specific protective amulets that are believed to ward off negative energy.
• Hanging lemons and chilies outside the home or business establishment, a common practice to repel the evil eye.
• Using mirrors or reflective surfaces at home, which are believed to reflect the harmful gaze back to its source.
• Applying black kohl (kajal) around the eyes of young children, a traditional practice to prevent them from being affected by the evil eye.
• Avoiding showing off possessions or good fortune, as excessive pride or display is believed to attract envy.

Conclusion

The Nazar Dosh Nivaran Puja is a powerful and deeply spiritual ritual that has helped countless families cleanse themselves of negative energies and restore harmony in their lives. While the belief in the evil eye may seem superstitious to some, it remains an integral part of Indian culture and spirituality, offering a sense of protection and peace of mind to those who believe in it.

By invoking divine blessings and following traditional practices, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from the unseen forces of envy and ill will, ensuring that their lives remain blessed with health, prosperity, and happiness.