Evil Eye (Nazar) Protection: Nazar Battu, Evil Eye Hangings, Bracelets and Traditional Remedies
Quick answer: Nazar (buri nazar or drishti dosh) is the belief that envy or a jealous glance can bring bad luck to a person, home or business. Common remedies are an evil-eye hanging or nazar battu at the main door, a Kaal Purush or Kshetrapal mukhota facing the street for shops and new houses, and an evil-eye bracelet or locket for personal protection.
This guide comes from Shreerudra, a Delhi pooja store dealing in traditional remedies since 2000.
Signs people associate with nazar
A new house, shop or vehicle runs into one problem after another.
A child who was cheerful becomes cranky or stops eating well after being praised by visitors.
Business slows suddenly after an opening or a success.
Plants at the entrance dry up quickly.
These are traditional beliefs. If someone is unwell, see a doctor first; nazar remedies are spiritual practices, not treatment.
Remedies for the main door and home
Evil-eye wall and door hangings
The blue "eye" charm is used across India, Turkey and the Middle East to reflect negative glances. Hang it facing outwards at the main door or in the living room:
Mukhota (protective masks)
A fierce face hung outside a new building or shop is believed to absorb the evil eye. Choose the Kaal Purush mukhota or the Kshetrapal mukhota, and for Vastu the Vastu Purush nazar battu.
Nazar battu sets
Traditional black nazar battu are tied at the entrance or in rooms: nazar battu (10 pcs), hanging nazarbatu for rooms and nazar bhattu beads (set of 5).
Bat head roots (Bichhu jad / Singhad)
Dried bat head roots, also called evil pods, telukondi kayalu or singhad, are hung at the entrance of new homes and shops, especially in South India. Available in small packs, standard packs and 100 pieces.
Personal protection
Evil-eye bracelets: black macrame, black beaded with drawstring and silver stars with black crystal.
Evil-eye owl keychain for your keys or bag.
A Rakshasutra kalawa (mauli) tied on the wrist after puja.
Simple traditional practices
Salt and red chilli: circle a handful of rock salt and seven dry red chillies around the person seven times and burn them (outdoors).
Lemon and green chillies: hang a nimbu-mirchi at the shop or home entrance on Saturdays.
Sambrani dhooni: burn dhooni powder at dusk on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Hanuman Chalisa: recite it on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Frequently asked questions
Where should an evil-eye hanging be placed?
Facing outwards at the main door, or on a wall facing the entrance of the living room or shop.
How often should a nazar battu be replaced?
Traditionally, once it breaks, fades or cracks, it is believed to have "absorbed" the nazar and should be replaced.
Can children wear evil-eye bracelets?
Yes, many families put a black thread or evil-eye bracelet on babies and children. Choose one that cannot be chewed or swallowed.
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