Abhichara are rituals performed to bring harm to others commonly known as black magic.

They are mainly of six types -

1. Vashikarana - to bring someone under control
2. Stambhana - to disrupt someone’s activities
3. Mohana - to cause mental instability
4. Vidveshana - to cause enmity between people
5. Ucchatana - to dislocate someone
6. Marana - to cause someone’s death

Abhichara is done by invoking ferocious powers.

Some of the practices are -

• Planting yantra at the enemy’s place
• Performing Homa
• Animal sacrifice
• Giving poisonous substance
• Causing harm to an idol representing the enemy
• Rituals done on the cremation ground

Causing harm by such means is illegal.

Knowledge Bank

Why are the Rishis asking for the essence of all Shastras?

Kaliyuga was approaching. In Kaliyuga people will be less intelligent. They will not have the capacity to differentiate between right and wrong. They will become cruel. They will not be interested in the Supreme truth. They will be only concerned about their own gains and physical pleasures. Their lifespan will be less. Nobody will have the time and interest to learn all the Shastras. If the essence of the Shastras is given to them, then there is a chance that they might use it for their own benefit.

Lord Rama's Commitment to the principle of 'One Wife'

Rama's vow was that besides Sita, any other woman would be equivalent to his mother, Kausalya. He promised that he would not marry another woman, nor would he even think about it. Even when required for yajnas, Rama did not choose another wife; instead, Sita's golden statue was placed by his side.