4

Witchcraft has been one of the most controversial issues in the West. Abrahamic religions such as Judaism, Christianity & Islam consider it a sin against God but what does Hinduism say about it? Can a Hindu indulge in sorcery?

Also certain Wiccans (adherents of the Wicca religion, a Western pagan tradition that developed in the twentieth century that involves the practice of witchcraft) perform spellwork using the deities of various ancient religions including Hinduism (Lord Ganesha and Goddess Kali are the most used deities from Hinduism in Wicca). Is this practice legitimate?

Update: Seeing some of the comments, I wish to clarify Wicca is not black magick. In the Wiccan Rede, it is stated:

An it harm none, do what thou wilt'' (''Do what you will, so long as it harms none'').

Improve this question
16
  • 2
    I think this depends on 1) the exact definition of “witchcraft”, 2) the purpose of the ritual, 3) the laws in your country regarding such practises and 4) the context of Hindu (as in, which speficic sect/religion). For example, I don't think Dharma-śāstra "forbids" any ritual unless of course your intentions are incompatible with the law or the rules of your current religous/spiritual affliation.
    – Gabe Hiemstra
    Aug 1, 2017 at 15:52
  • 1
    Wicca or Goetia- What are these ?
    – Rickross
    Aug 1, 2017 at 15:59
  • @Rickross en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca
    – user9969
    Aug 1, 2017 at 16:06
  • @Rickross Types of pagan witchcraft
    – user9969
    Aug 1, 2017 at 16:07
  • 1
    it is not condemned but unlawful practice is wrong. done for genuine reasons not wrong.
    – Rakesh Joshi
    Aug 3, 2017 at 5:38

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
9

Here is a verse that says that black magic (using roots) is a punishable offence.

Manu Smriti 9.290. For all incantations intended to destroy life, for magic rites with roots (practised by persons) not related (to him against whom they are directed), and for various kinds of sorcery, a fine of two hundred (panas) shall be inflicted.

Also here is a verse that says that performing black magic using roots ( abhichAro mulakarma cha is the sanskrit used in the original verse) is a minor sin:

Manu Smriti 11.63. Superintending mines (or factories) of any sort, executing great mechanical works, injuring (living) plants, subsisting on (the earnings of) one’s wife, sorcery (by means of sacrifices), and working (magic by means of) roots, (and so forth),.... (are all) minor offences, causing loss of caste (Upapataka)

So, black magic is condemned, not sure about witchcraft etc. However, using certain forms of black magic is present in the Vedas itself. Where they are used to subdue powerful and evil enemies.

Improve this answer
2
  • then why do they provide the process of abhichara? :)
    – Rakesh Joshi
    Aug 3, 2017 at 5:37
  • 1
    Because sometimes we have to subdue bad people using such means. @RakeshJoshi
    – Rickross
    Aug 3, 2017 at 16:35

You must log in to answer this question.