Come Ambubachi Mela and practitioners of black magic congregate at the Kamakhya Temple. To many, ‘black magic’ conjures up a picture of fear with its practitioners viewed with suspicion, but it is neutral at its core, say some, with its impact determined by the practitioner's intentions.
GUWAHATI: Every monsoon, during the Assamese month of Ahaar, devotees from across the globe flock to Guwahati to take part in the Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple. This year, the festival is scheduled from June 22 to June 26. The Kamakhya Temple, a historic site in Guwahati, is especially renowned for its association with black magic and mystical rituals.
The Kamakhya Temple has been a focal point for black magic practices for decades. Notably though, the temple hosts special pujas aimed at removing and curbing black magic. These rituals are conducted by Sadhus and Aghoris who reside within the temple premises. The purpose of these pujas is to help people suffering from issues related to black magic. During the festival, these sadhus can be found throughout the temple complex, engaging in rituals believed to harness the powers of the ten Mahavidyas present at the site.
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The association between black magic and Kamakhya Temple is especially pronounced during the Ambubachi Mela, attracting thousands of tantrics from all over the world. These practitioners come to display their powers, offer their services, and seek blessings from the goddess Kamakhya. It is believed that a visit to Kamakhya is essential for tantrics to achieve their full spiritual potential. These practitioners offer blessings that range from securing marriages and children to bestowing wealth and prosperity.
However, the practices at the temple are not without controversy. Animal sacrifices, including goats, pigeons, and buffaloes, are common during the festival. Some visitors have reported seeing decapitated buffaloes inside the temple, highlighting the intense and often misunderstood rituals associated with black magic.
When GPlus visited Kamakhya Temple, the team encountered various individuals from different parts of the globe. Among them was Guddu Jha, a black magic practitioner who shared his insights into the dual nature of black magic. "There are two sides of black magic," Jha explained. "The origins of black magic can be traced back to ancient civilisations where mysterious practices were intertwined with spirituality. In Hinduism, Tantric rituals were used to harness divine energy for both constructive and destructive purposes."
Jha emphasised that black magic, if used for good purposes, can bring significant benefits. He highlighted the common misconceptions about black magic, especially within the realm of Tantric rituals. "When someone dies an unnatural death, it is believed that their spirit can be harnessed," Jha said. "This practice is often misunderstood and sensationalised."
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Practitioners believe that the spirits of those who die in accidents or sudden deaths can be summoned and controlled. This involves connecting one's own energy with that of the spirit through specific mantras, a process that requires an awakened spiritual energy. "Black magic becomes possible only through this connection," Jha explained. "It is not something that can be achieved through ordinary means; it requires a heightened spiritual awareness, visible only to those who can perceive it."
A significant aspect of black magic is the concept of hypnosis or 'vashikaran'. Jha clarified that this isn't about deceit but rather about attracting people through genuine feelings. "The real power of hypnosis lies in its simplicity and sincerity," he said. "When you are genuinely kind and open, people are naturally drawn to you."
Jha further clarified that not all mystical practices are deceptive. "True spiritual practice requires purity of thought and intention," he said. "Black magic, often practised in secrecy, is about focusing one's mind and actions on a specific goal, usually under the guidance of a spiritual mentor."
During the Ambubachi Mela, the spiritual energy at Kamakhya Temple is heightened, providing a conducive atmosphere for practitioners to connect deeply with these energies. "The goddess Kamakhya grants special powers during this time, making it a significant period for those involved in tantric practices," Jha noted.
"The essence of these rituals is not malevolent," Jha continued. "They are deeply rooted in ancient spiritual beliefs about life and death. Practitioners believe that by engaging with these energies, they can achieve greater understanding and control over their spiritual journeys. This connection to the spiritual world is not about creating fear, but about seeking deeper truths and enlightenment."
Jha's insights painted a complex picture of black magic—a practice often shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding. He stressed that black magic is neutral at its core, with its impact determined by the practitioner's intentions. "If used for positive purposes, like healing or protection, it can bring about good," he said. "But if negative emotions like greed or jealousy take over, it can definitely lead to bad outcomes."
Jha highlighted specific rituals and practices, such as 'putla tang', which involves using effigies or dolls to cast spells. "If someone uses these for selfish reasons, to harm others out of spite or envy, they won't gain anything meaningful," he explained. "In fact, they'll only cause harm, not just to others, but to themselves too."
He continued, "It's a selfish practice when used this way. True power lies in selflessness and purity of intention. Those who indulge in black magic for personal gain or to inflict pain on others are often driven by base desires, and that leads to negative consequences."
The conversation also touched on the different types of tantrics and their motivations. "There are many tantrics who are genuine and use their abilities to help people," Jha said. "But then there are those who show off, claiming to have powers just to exploit others for money. Their intentions are different. They perform rituals for their own needs or for financial gain, rather than for the greater good."
Reflecting on the commercialisation of such practices, Jha noted, "Some people think they can buy solutions to their problems through black magic. They go to these so-called tantrics, who promise them the world, but often these promises are empty. The true power of black magic lies in its sincerity and the practitioner's connection to the spiritual realm, not in flashy displays or quick fixes."
Despite the potential for misuse, Jha emphasised that black magic, when practised ethically, has its place in the spiritual landscape. "There are rituals meant for protection, for bringing good fortune, and for healing. These can be very beneficial. But it requires a deep understanding and respect for the forces at play. It's not something to be taken lightly or used irresponsibly."
Jha's words painted a nuanced picture of black magic—a practice that is neither wholly good nor evil but is defined by the practitioner's intentions and actions. He urged for a balanced view, recognising both its potential for good and its capacity for harm. "In the end, it's about the intention," he concluded. "If you approach it with a pure heart and good intentions, it can be a powerful force for good. But if you let negative emotions guide you, it can become dangerous."
Assam police arrested five individuals in connection with a horrific “human sacrifice” that occurred near the Kamakhya Temple in 2019. This disturbing incident has marred the otherwise revered annual Ambubachi Mela, drawing attention to the dark side of some ritual practices.
An anonymous tantric practitioner spoke to GPlus about the incident, emphasising the importance of intent in such practices. “It’s all about the intention. This was not a good deed, so we cannot say it’s a good practice. Acts like human sacrifice belong to ancient times, not now,” he said. His words shed light on the dual nature of Tantric rituals, which can be used for good or evil depending on the practitioner's motives.
Temple authorities acknowledged the incident and the complexities it presents. “We are aware of what happened. Many people come from all over the country, and we cannot always know their intentions. But since this incident, we have made significant security arrangements to prevent such events in the future,” said a spokesperson for Kamakhya Devalaya.
