Holy Water - in Non-Christian Religions

In Non-Christian Religions

In Ancient Greek religion, a holy water called chernips was created when extinguishing in it a torch from a religious shrine. In Greek religion, purifying people and locations with water was part of the process of distinguishing the sacred from the profane.

In Jewish law, the Torah mentions using holy water in a test for the purity of a wife accused of marital infidelity. A ritual would be performed involving the drinking of holy water. If she participated in the ritual, and she was guilty, she is supposedly cursed to miscarry any pregnancy. If she is still able to bear children, then she is presumed innocent.

Sikhs use the term (Punjabi: ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ) for the holy water used in the baptism ceremony known as Amrit Sanskar or Amrit Chhakhna.

In Wicca and other ceremonial magic traditions, although the term holy water is not normally used, a similar substance is produced when salt is mixed with water. It is consecrated and used in many religious ceremonies and rituals.

Bathing in holy water is a key element in Hinduism and the Ganges is considered the holiest Hindu river.

Although the term holy water is not used, the idea of "blessed water" is used among Buddhists. Water is put in to a new pot and kept near a Paritrana ceremony, a blessing for protection. Thai 'Lustral water' can be created in a ceremony in which the burning and extinction of a candle above the water represents the elements of earth, fire, and air. This water is later given to the people to be kept in their home. Not only water but also oil and strings are blessed in this ceremony. Bumpa, a ritual object, is one of the Ashtamangala, used for storing sacred water sometimes, symbolizing wisdom and long life in Vajrayana Buddhism.

The drinking of "healing water" (āb-i shifā) is a practice in various denominations of Shi’a Islam. In the tradition of the Twelver Shi’a, many dissolve the dust of sacred locations such as Karbala (khāk-i shifa) and Najaf and drink the water (āb-i shifā) as a cure for illness, both spiritual and physical. The Ismaili tradition involves the practice of drinking water blessed by the Imam of the time. This water is taken in the name of the Imam and has a deep spiritual significance. This is evident from the names used to designate the water, including light (nūr) and ambrosia (amṛt, amī, amīras, amījal). This practice is recorded from the 13th and 14th centuries and continues to the present day. The ceremony is known as ghat-pat in South Asia.