Holy Water

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Holy water is water that has been by a member of the or a religious figure. The use for cleansing prior to a baptism and spiritual cleansing is common in several religions, from. The use of holy water as a scramental for protection against evil is common among Anglicans and Roman Catholics.

     In ancient Greek religions, holy water called chernips (χέρνιψ) was created when a torch from a religious shrine was extinguished in it. In Greek religion, purifying people and locations with water was part of the process of distinguishing the sacred from the profane.

    The Book of Numbers mentions using water in a test for the purity of a wife accused of marital infidelity. A ritual would be performed involving the drinking of water that had been mixed with dust from the floor of the temple. If she participated in the ritual, and she was guilty, she is supposedly cursed to miscarry any pregnancy. If she was still able to bear children, then she was presumed innocent.
       Sikhs use the Punjabi term amrita (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ) for the holy water used in the baptism ceremonly known as Amrit 		 
    What's in your Holy Water
         Did you know that:    
 
    ♦ Many Holy Water fonts are contaminated with fecal matter and bacteria. University researchers analyzed the water quality at 21 “holy springs” and 18 fonts at churches and chapels and concluded that people should not be drinking holy water. Holy water can be another source of infection, especially in chapels and frequently visited churches,” the study says.  Many 'holy water' bottles are filled at such places.
   ♦ Much Holy Water is not properly blessed Many priests  (out of ignorance or laziness) merely make the sign of the cross over tap water. Water that has not been blessed through the proper Church ritual is not true holy water.
    ♦ Some Holy Water is not blessed at all. Many bottles sold as 'holy water' are just tap water, not blessed in any way. 

       CHECK THE HOLY WATER YOU ARE USING   

 Sanskar or Amrit Chhakhna.  Bathing in holy water is a key element in Hinduism, and the Ganges is considered the holiest Hindu river.

    The idea of "blessed water" is used in virtually all Buddhist traditions. In the Theravada tradition, water is put into a new pot and kept near a Paritrana ceremony, a blessing for protection. This "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.  Most Mahayana Buddhists typically recite sutras or various mantras (typically that of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara) numerous times over the water, which is then either consumed or is used to bless homes afterwards.

     The drinking of "healing water" (āb-i shifā) is a practice in various denominations of Shia Islam. In the tradition of theTwelver 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.

     In Wicca and other ceremonial magic traditions, a similar substance is produced when salt is mixed with water. It is consecrated and used in many religious ceremonies and rituals.