What Is the Evil Eye (Nazar)?
The evil eye, known as 'Nazar' in Hindi, is the belief that a malicious gaze can cause harm, illness, or bad luck. In Hindu tradition, the evil eye is taken very seriously and there are numerous remedies and protections against it.
Signs of the Evil Eye
- Sudden, unexplained illness or discomfort
- A baby crying inconsolably
- Sudden loss of appetite
- Feeling drained or heavy
- Sudden bad luck or misfortune
- Plants or flowers wilting suddenly
- Milk spoiling unexpectedly
Traditional Hindu Remedies for the Evil Eye
1. Rakhsha Potli (Protection Bundle)
Take a small piece of cloth, put in it a few whole black pepper seeds, a piece of alum, and a little salt. Rotate this bundle over the affected person's head 7 times clockwise and 7 times counterclockwise. Then burn or bury it.
2. Salt and Mustard Oil
Take a bowl of water with a pinch of salt and a few drops of mustard oil. Rotate it over the person's head and then pour it into a drain or flowing water.
3. Camphor Method
Burn camphor on a hot pan. Rotate the pan over the person's head. The smoke absorbs the negative energy.
4. Red Thread (Kalava)
Tie a red thread (mauli) on the right wrist of men and left wrist of women. This protects against the evil eye.
5. Lemon and Chili
Hang a lemon and 7 green chilies tied with a red thread at the entrance of your home or shop. This absorbs negative energy from visitors.
6. Black Dot (Kala Teeka)
Apply a small black dot (using kajal) behind the ear or on the cheek of children. This deflects the evil eye.
Protecting Your Home
- Hang a Nazar Battu (an image of a face with horns) at the entrance
- Keep a Swastika or Om symbol on the door
- Burn sage or loban daily
- Keep salt in a small bowl at the entrance (change weekly)
- Place a mirror facing outward at the entrance to reflect negative energy
Mantras for Protection
- 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' — general protection
- 'Om Hum Hanumate Namah' — protection from all negative energy
- 'Om Dum Durgayei Namah' — protection through the Divine Mother
- 'Om Namo Narayanaya' — peace and protection
The evil eye is real, but so is divine protection. A strong aura, a clean home, and faith in the divine are your best defenses.