“Modern science passed through a long period of uncertainty and inconclusive experiment, but as the instrumental aids to research improved, and the results

of observation accumulated, phantoms of the imagination were exorcised, idols of the cave were shattered, trustworthy materials were obtained for

logical treatment, and hypotheses by long and careful trial were converted into theories. ”

— Thomas George Bonney

The word Exorcism is derived from a Greek word ‘exorkismos‘ which means binding by oath

It is the practice of evicting demons or other spiritual entities from a person or an area they are believed to have possessed

.Depending on the spiritual beliefs of the exorcist, this may be done by causing the entity to swear an oath, performing an elaborate ritual, or simply by

commanding it to depart in the name of a higher power. The practice is ancient and part of the belief system of many cultures and religion.

Exorcism is popularly practiced in different religions :-Christianity , Hinduism and Islam

• Exorcism in CHRISTIANITY :-In Catholic Christianity, exorcisms are performed in the name of JesusChrist. There are two types of exorcism in Christianity –

i) Formal Exorcism ii) Prayers of DeliveranceIn Catholic practice the person performing the exorcism, known as an

exorcist, is a consecrated priest. The exorcist recites prayers according tothe rubrics of the rite, and may make use of religious materials suchas icons and sacramental. The exorcist invokes God—specifically the Nameof Jesus—as well as members of the Church Triumphant and the ArchangelMichael to intervene with the exorcism. According to Catholicunderstanding, several weekly exorcisms over many years are sometimesrequired to expel a deeply entrenched demon.

• Exorcism in HINDUISM :-

Beliefs and practices pertaining to the practice of exorcism are prominently connected with Hindus. Of the four Vedas (holy books of the Hindus), the Atharva Veda is said to contain the secrets related to magic and alchemy.The basic means of exorcism are the mantra and the yajna used in both Vedic and Tantric traditions. Vaishnava traditions also employ a recitation of names of Narasimha and reading scriptures, notably the Bhagavata Purana aloud.

• Exorcism in ISLAM:-

In Islam, exorcism is called ruqya. It is used to repair the damage caused by sihr or black magic. Exorcisms todaare part of a wider body of contemporary Islamic alternative medicine called al-Tibb al-Nabawi (Medicine of the Prophet).

Islamic exorcisms consist of the treated person lying down, while a sheikh places a hand on a patient’s head while reciting verses from the Quran. The drinking of holy water (Zamzam Water from Zamzam Well ) may also take place.

SCIENTIFIC VIEW OF EXTORCISM:-

Medicine and psychology do not classify demonic possession as a mental illness, but rather as a misdiagnosis of different psychological conditions.

Although validity of exorcism would be a tough argument for theism, it surprisingly isn't brought up in debates very much. Could be that even the theists realize exorcism is bollocks, or it's a taboo theme among them. Or perhaps it's one of the few areas where they understand that what seems obvious to them isn't obvious to other people.

PSYCHOSURGERY:-

For centuries exorcisms have been controversially argued due to the moral beliefsof an individual. Neurosurgical Exorcisms, otherwise known as psychosurgeries,have in the past offered treatments for demonic possessed individuals and laterused for intractable mental illnesses.

WHAT CAUSES THE APPEARANCE OF POSSESSION?

Historically, exorcisms have been used to treat a wide variety of symptoms that are now associated with mental issues .In a culture where many believe certain behaviors may be caused by demonic possession, the manifestations of mental health issues may conform to popular mythology. A person with schizophrenia might, for example, believe he or she hears the voice of Satan, or that he or she is in fact Satan, because he or she grew up amid culturally ingrained messages that this is possible.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN EXORCISM?

Exorcisms tend to follow a predictable path. The apparent victim of possession’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, perhaps even violent, until the exorcist casts the demonic spirit out. “Possessed” people may speak in tongues, vomit, become violently ill, or harm themselves. And while these behaviors might seem shocking, they can be easily explained.

IS EXORCISM REAL? OR JUST A MENTAL ILLNESS?

Unfortunately yes. Most people don't believe in these issues until they see it or are a part of it themselves. This changes people and they will never be the same from what has occurred, if this be the issue. Science has to look at it at a scientific standard and will judge it from a scientific view, so if it is something they cannot explain then it is categorized void or if fancied, will turn it into a theory. There things "when official" are not explainable through science or psychology but are known as something not from this world or dimension, something supernatural.

No one can say with absolute certainty whether demons walk among us andoccasionally take control of living beings, but science can offer a helpfulwindow into exorcisms and what might cause a person to appear“demonically possessed.” The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of MentalDisorders” does not recognize demonic possession as a psychiatric issue.There is little doubt, however, about the influence of issues that arerecognized by the DSM, and no one questions the power of suggestion.

Mental issues can cause strange behavior, and people tend to conform to expectations. Thismeans a person experiencing an exorcism is more likely to act in ways he or she has heard ofothers behaving during exorcisms. Exorcisms sometimes also involve the use of potions, drugs,or fasting, each of which can induce violent illness and strange behavior. Starvation can affectbrain function, and the stress of an exorcism may radically alter behavior.

Some exorcism advocates insist that exorcism works. And it very well may. People undergoingexorcisms may enter hypnotic trances, during which time they may be much more suggestible,which means their behavior may later change. The dramatic ritual of an exorcism can also becathartic for some deeply religious people, and may inspire a change in behavior or personality.

EXORCISMS AS ABUSE :-

Although every person has the right to practice his or her

own religious beliefs, exorcisms sometimes become a form of abuse, and

some mental health experts are concerned that they may replace

competent psychiatric treatment for people with mental health issues.

Over the past decade, several people have died during

exorcisms. A woman in Fort Wayne, Indiana, attempted to exorcise her

son by forcing him to drink vinegar and olive oil, then held him down

during an exorcism. The boy suffocated, and his mother was convicted of

murder in 2011. A 3-year-old in Arizona was nearly choked to death by her

grandfather, who was attempting to exorcise her; the grandfather was

shot and killed by police.