Overcoming Hydrophobia in Hinduism: Practical Solutions, Mantras, and Spiritual Guidance
Hydrophobia, or the fear of water, can be paralyzing for some individuals, preventing them from engaging in normal activities like swimming, bathing, or even being near water bodies. Hinduism offers spiritual, practical, and therapeutic solutions to overcome this fear through the worship of certain deities, the use of mantras, and mental conditioning rooted in religious and spiritual teachings.
1. Theological Significance of Water in Hinduism
In Hinduism, water is a sacred element, symbolizing purity, life, and renewal. River deities and the ocean god Varuna are highly revered, and many rites and rituals begin with water as a cleansing agent. Overcoming hydrophobia in the Hindu tradition is not only about confronting fear but also deepening one's connection with this divine element.
2. Mantras and Deities for Overcoming Hydrophobia
Several deities in Hinduism are associated with water, health, and protection, and invoking them through mantras can help one overcome their fear of water. Here are some effective mantras and associated deities:
a. Lord Varuna – The God of Water
Varuna is the Vedic god of the oceans, rivers, and all water bodies. He governs the law of cosmic order (Rta) and is often invoked for blessings of rain, water safety, and fearlessness regarding water.
- Varuna Mantra:
“ॐ वं वरुणाय नमः | Om Vam Varunaya Namah”
This mantra is for protection and reverence to Lord Varuna. Chanting it daily, preferably near a water source (like a bowl of water or while in the shower), will help you build a sense of calm and respect for water, rather than fear.
b. Indra – The God of Rain and Thunder
Indra, the Vedic king of the gods and the god of storms, controls rain and weather. By invoking Indra, one can mentally prepare to face water fearlessly, just as he controls the powerful elements of rain and storms.
- Indra Mantra:
“ॐ इन्द्राय नमः | Om Indraya Namah”
This mantra helps in building courage and strength, especially when dealing with fear related to powerful water forces like rivers and oceans.
c. Ashwini Kumaras – The Divine Healers
The Ashwini Kumaras, the twin horsemen gods of healing in the Rigveda, are associated with rejuvenation and health. Invoking their blessings can help those suffering from deep-seated fears such as hydrophobia.
- Ashwini Kumaras Mantra:
“ॐ अश्विनीकुमाराभ्यां नमः | Om Ashwini Kumarabhyaam Namah”
Chanting this mantra invokes their healing energies, bringing mental and emotional balance, thereby helping to overcome irrational fears, including the fear of water.
d. Dhanvantari – The God of Medicine
Dhanvantari, the celestial physician, is often invoked for physical and mental healing. Hydrophobia, being both a psychological and a physical issue, can be overcome with his blessings.
- Dhanvantari Mantra:
“ॐ नमो भगवते धन्वन्तरये अमृतकलश हस्ताय सर्वमयविनाशाय त्रैलोक्यनाथाय श्री महाविष्णवे नमः | Om Namo Bhagavate Dhanvantari Amrta Kalasa Hastaya Sarva Maya Vinashaya Trailokya Nathaya Sri Maha Vishnave Namah”
This mantra is potent for healing physical and mental ailments, including phobias like hydrophobia. It is especially beneficial when combined with a daily meditation practice focusing on water-related imagery.
e. Pashupati Shiva – Lord of All Creatures
Shiva, in his aspect as Pashupati (lord of animals and nature), governs over life forces, including the elements. His worship encourages fearlessness and mastery over natural forces.
- Pashupati Shiva Mantra:
“ॐ नमः पशुपतये | Om Namah Pashupataye”
This mantra helps to overcome fear and anxiety associated with nature and its elements, including water.
3. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions for Overcoming Hydrophobia
a. Gradual Exposure Therapy
- Start by being near small water bodies or in safe environments where water is controlled, like a shallow swimming pool.
- Slowly increase your exposure to larger bodies of water, such as lakes or the ocean.
- Use your chosen mantra (such as the Varuna or Indra mantra) while you are near the water, to mentally condition yourself and invoke a sense of protection and calmness.
b. Visualization and Meditation
- Visualize yourself calmly interacting with water—floating in a calm lake, swimming freely, or walking near the ocean’s edge.
- Meditate on the image of deities like Varuna or Indra standing beside you, guarding and protecting you.
- Daily meditation while chanting mantras will help build inner strength to confront and overcome the fear.
c. Ritual Use of Water
- Perform Jal Abhishek (water offerings) to Shiva or Varuna. This act will not only develop your spiritual bond with water but also reduce anxiety as you ritually engage with it.
- Take daily baths or sprinkle water on yourself as an offering to Varuna, reciting the Varuna mantra. This ritual builds positive associations with water.
4. Stories and Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
a. The Story of Sage Agastya
In one legend, the sage Agastya drank the entire ocean to help the gods defeat demons who were hiding under its waters. This story symbolizes mastery over fear, even when the task seems impossible. It teaches that fear (even of something vast like the ocean) can be controlled by inner strength and divine grace.
b. Quote from the Rigveda
“As waters flow downward, as showers from a cloud, so shines forth Varuna’s law.” (Rigveda 5.85)
This quote reflects the natural flow and order of water and the cosmos, suggesting that just as water flows effortlessly, so too can our minds flow past fear when aligned with divine law.
5. Ideal Deity Worship for Hydrophobia
- Varuna is the primary deity to worship, as he is the god of water.
- Indra for overcoming fear of water-related weather (rainstorms, floods).
- Dhanvantari and Ashwini Kumaras for mental and physical healing related to phobias.
- Shiva (Pashupati) for overall courage and mastery over fear.
6. Inspiration from Hindu Philosophy
In Hinduism, overcoming fear (especially irrational fears like hydrophobia) is seen as a path to spiritual liberation. Fear is considered a form of ignorance (avidya) that can be dispelled through knowledge, devotion, and inner peace. The element of water, often used in purification rituals, is meant to wash away both physical impurities and inner anxieties.
By confronting and purifying one’s fear of water, one takes a step closer to self-realization and moksha, the ultimate freedom.
By integrating these mantras, spiritual practices, and practical approaches, you can cultivate a calm relationship with water and overcome hydrophobia. The combination of gradual exposure, meditation, and divine invocations forms a holistic approach to dissolving this fear.