In Hinduism, Bhuta Chikitsa is the driving away of evil spirits from a person or a place. The term is used to refer to special rituals or incantations used for driving out evil spirits that are believed to possess a person or a place.
Belief in the existence of beings of a different order that haunt human beings prevails in a large section of society, irrespective of religious faith. In Hindu religion, such beings are referred to as bhutas, pretas, pisachas, brahmarakshas, vetalas, yakshas and grahas.
Such spirits are sought to be exorcised by rituals and incantations by way of propitiating higher divinities controlling them, such as Bhadrakali, Vetala, Ganesha, Hanuman, Shani, Narasimha, Manjunatheshwara, Virabhadra and Mother Goddesses of a particular locality like Yellamma, Annamma, Durga, etc.
The means used for exorcising the evil spirits vary from place to place depending upon the background of the exorcists.
The performing of rituals, the tying of a talisman, the offering of sacred kumkum and collyrium, the use of lime and neem leaves, tying red-colored cloth, visiting saints, sages and places of pilgrimage, visiting temples where deities are supposed to be more active and gracious – all these are parts of bhuta chikitsa.
The exorcist identifies the type of being which is causing trouble and then proposes a remedy. The exorcist does his work in a secret way and the result is guaranteed. Chanting Gayatri mantra, and regular worship of any deity with faith, courage and confidence are known to ward off all evil spirits.