Digbandhana
By Swami Harshananda
Digbandhana literally means ‘shutting out the evil spirits’.
Digbandhana Procedure[edit]
During the performance of ritualistic worship and acts, especially aimed to fulfill the desires, there is a possibility of obstacles to be created by inimical spirits. These spirits have to be ‘locked out’ of dik[1] during the ritual. It can be done by chanting certain powerful mantras like the vyāhṛtis of the Gāyatrī or syllables like phaṭ. This is called ‘digbandhana’ or ‘digbandha’.
Digvimoka Procedure[edit]
After the ritual is over, the quarters (or dik) have to be reopened. This is called ‘digvimoka’.
Exceptional Usage of Digbandhana[edit]
The process may also be used to arrest the movements of those who are likely to harm, like criminals. Such use of extraordinary powers has been recorded in the lives of great saints like Tailaṅga Svāmin (19th century) and Vijayadāsa (CE 1682-1755).
References[edit]
- ↑ Dik means quarters.
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore