The defends and safeguards against unwanted evil spirits is referred to as Bhuta Pratishedha. Bhuta in this context refers to unwanted spirits, demons or evil eyes. It also means the five generic elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether (akasha). Sacred chants are uttered to overcome the evil effects. Physical drawing of lines, circles and figures are used wherein protective deities are invoked.
Tying of threads (made of cotton, kusha grass) and placement
of amulets, lemons, etc., indicate the boundaries demarcating the guarded
place. The demarcating lines may be drawn with turmeric powder or white powdered
rice. Sometimes sprinkling of sacred water is also done for this purpose. In
the acts of meditation, the uttering of some mantras, or the repetition of the
name of Bhagavan, is taken as sufficient for this purpose.
In black magic, the rules are linked with the use of flesh,
selection of certain places in the cremation grounds, and sitting in certain
specified seats and postures. It is believed that the invocation of gods of
bhutas like Ganesha, Virabhadra, Kali and other such divinities are also useful
in this act.
In sorcery, some objects – amulets, herbs, and precious
stones supposed to have been infused with mystic powers – are place around the
area or a person to be protected for this purpose.