The Spiritual Power of Ash Gourd and the Evil Eye Rituals in Indian Tradition
In Indian tradition, every action, object, and ritual is deeply rooted in a blend of spiritual belief, ancient wisdom, and cultural values. Among these, the practice of removing the evil eye (drishti) using certain vegetables—especially the ash gourd (white pumpkin)—holds significant importance. Despite the presence of many vegetables, the ash gourd is considered unique in absorbing and eliminating negative energy.
Why Ash Gourd?
People often wonder: with so many vegetables available, why is ash gourd specifically used to ward off the evil eye? Whether it’s a new baby, a wedding, or moving into a new house—when people admire our happiness, success, or beauty, knowingly or unknowingly, they may cast an “evil eye,” known in Tamil as “drishti.” This energy is believed to disturb the peace and harmony in one’s life.
To neutralize this, ash gourd is often used due to its high spiritual and energetic properties. It is believed to absorb negative energy and purify the space, making it an effective tool for removing drishti.
The Mythological Backstory – The Legend of Kooshmandan
According to ancient legends, the origin of using ash gourd for this purpose goes back to a mythological demon named Kooshmandan. He was known to trouble the celestial gods for years. Unable to bear his torment, the gods prayed to Lord Vishnu (Tirumal) to help them.
Lord Vishnu fought Kooshmandan and defeated him. Before dying, Kooshmandan requested a boon: “Let me be reborn in a form that is always useful to others even after death.” Accepting his plea, Lord Vishnu granted him the boon of being reborn as an ash gourd, saying it would absorb people’s evil energies and help protect them.
Thus, the ash gourd is believed to carry the spiritual energy of protection, and that is why it is hung at the entrance of houses or broken during rituals to eliminate drishti.
Ash Gourd – A Life-Force Rich Vegetable
Ash gourd is known to contain high levels of pranic (life) energy. It’s not only a nutrient-dense vegetable but also a spiritual powerhouse. In Western countries, ash gourd is a common ingredient in soups and stews due to its health benefits. Similarly, in traditional Indian households, it is both consumed and revered.
Beyond physical health, ash gourd is used in spiritual practices to cleanse the aura and ward off negative or demonic energies from spaces and people.
In some traditions, giving ash gourd as a donation to the poor is also considered to bring immense merit and spiritual blessings.
Hanging Ash Gourd in Front of the House
In many households, especially during housewarming ceremonies (gruhapravesham), you can find a full ash gourd hung above or beside the entrance. The belief is that negative thoughts or envy from visitors get absorbed by the gourd before entering the house.
The ash gourd is believed to act like a magnetic field, attracting and neutralizing harmful thought waves or evil influences. It captures the subtle energy vibrations of those nearby and prevents it from entering the living space.
The Right Way to Use Ash Gourd for Drishti Removal
There are specific rituals and methods to properly use ash gourd in removing the evil eye:
- Do Not Cut the Gourd
Some people tend to slice off the top and pour kumkum (vermilion), coins, or other items inside before using it for drishti. This is discouraged. Cutting the gourd releases its stored pranic energy, and it may lose its power even before the ritual is performed. - Crossing Over the Gourd
Place the whole ash gourd on the floor. The person affected should step over the gourd from all four directions, always starting with the right foot. This step helps in absorbing drishti from all directions. - Rotating Around the Person
After stepping over, the gourd is rotated three times around the person to draw out any lingering negative energy. - Breaking the Gourd
Finally, the gourd is smashed on the ground outside the house. When the seeds scatter, it symbolizes the end of negativity and the start of a new, clean phase in life.
Amavasya (New Moon) and Drishti Cleansing
The new moon day, or Amavasya, is considered an ideal time to remove accumulated negative energies. On such days, ash gourd rituals are highly encouraged. It is believed that the spiritual and magnetic forces are heightened during this phase, making it a powerful time for cleansing rituals.
Symbolism of the Scattered Seeds
When the ash gourd is broken and its seeds are scattered, it signifies the dispersal of negativity and rebirth. In Indian symbolism, seeds represent new beginnings and fertility. Hence, before starting any auspicious work—such as a new job, business, or marriage—breaking an ash gourd is considered a way to clear the path from unseen obstacles.
Ash Gourd as a Sacred Offering
Giving ash gourd as charity to the poor is considered a noble act. Since it is rich in nutrients and spiritual energy, it serves both physical nourishment and spiritual cleansing. This makes it a powerful item to include in donations or temple rituals.
A Sacred Vegetable – More than Just Food
While most people view ash gourd as just another vegetable, in Indian tradition it is seen as sacred and protective. That’s why it is commonly used in:
- Home entrances
- Housewarming rituals
- Drishti removal rituals
- Certain temple offerings
- Festivals and folk ceremonies
It’s also believed that lighting lamps over ash gourd during certain ceremonies enhances spiritual clarity and divine connection.
Conclusion
The ash gourd is a powerful fusion of nutrition, tradition, and spirituality. It plays multiple roles—as a protective symbol, a spiritual cleanser, a sacred object, and a representation of rebirth and new beginnings.
From ancient myths to modern science, the importance of the ash gourd remains strong in Indian culture. By respecting and using it mindfully, we carry forward a tradition that is both meaningful and energetically powerful.
Let us continue to honor this sacred vegetable, not just in our kitchens but also in our spiritual lives.
