Traditional Spiritual Protection Practices Across Faiths in India

Every major faith in India has ways of asking for peace, safety and blessing. This article surveys common practices, without suggesting that any one is better or that any guarantees protection.

Daily prayer and remembrance

The most common protective practice is regular prayer. For Hindus this may be a morning puja, the Gayatri Mantra, or the Hanuman Chalisa. For Muslims it includes the five daily prayers and morning and evening adhkar. Sikhs recite the Japji Sahib and other bani, and Jains the Navkar Mantra.

Light and cleanliness

Lighting a lamp at dusk, keeping the home clean and opening windows to let in light and air are shared customs. They are simple, pleasant and harmless.

Threshold customs

Rangoli, torans of mango leaves, lemon and chillies, and a nameplate or small prayer at the door are among the customs used to mark and bless a home's entrance.

Charity and community

Feeding people, donating and helping neighbours are widely believed to bring blessings. They also build the community support that helps people through hard times.

Protective objects

Some families wear threads, taweez or other symbols of faith. They can be meaningful as symbols. They should not be sold as guarantees, and expensive or "special" objects offered under pressure are a red flag.

Keeping it safe

• Take extra care with open flames, camphor and incense around children and elders.
• Never replace medical treatment with a ritual.
• Do not pay for promises of complete or guaranteed protection.
• Learn prayers from a trusted teacher or family elder.

Sources and further reading

• Evil eye (Wikipedia)
• Tele-MANAS mental health helpline