By Thejyotish®

A Folkloric Ritual to Ward Off Misfortune

If you stroll through Indian streets or markets, you’ll often spot a peculiar talisman dangling above doorways: a string of one lemon and seven green chilies, known as nimbu-mirchi. This simple citrus-and-chili charm is a centuries-old ritual believed to protect homes and shops from ill fortune. According to Hindu folklore, the practice is linked to a tale of two divine sisters—Lakshmi and Alakshmi. Lakshmi is the beloved goddess of prosperity, invited into every household, whereas Alakshmi (her elder twin) embodies poverty, misfortune, and strife. Naturally, devotees hope to welcome Lakshmi’s blessings but keep Alakshmi at bay.

Here’s where the lemon and chilies come in. Folklore tells us that Alakshmi has an insatiable taste for all things sour and spicy (just as Lakshmi loves sweet offerings). So, by hanging a juicy lemon and hot green chilies at the door, people offer Alakshmi a “meal” right at the threshold. The belief is that the goddess of misfortune, unable to resist these pungent treats, stops to consume them at the doorstep and leaves satisfied, rather than entering the home. In doing so, she supposedly takes all her negativity with her, sparing the household from harm.

The practice even has a charming folktale highlighting its wisdom: once, a wily merchant was asked by the two sisters who was more beautiful. Diplomatically, he replied that Lakshmi looks most beautiful arriving, and Alakshmi looks best when going away. In essence, the nimbu-mirchi ensures misfortune “goes away” at the door itself.

It is important to understand that the practice of hanging lemons and chillies is not mentioned in the Vedas themselves. The Vedic texts, such as the Śrī Sūkta of the Ṛigveda, certainly pray for the removal of Alakṣmī and the welcoming of Lakṣmī, but they do not prescribe this particular ritual. The lemon-chilli charm belongs to the realm of folklore and cultural tradition,

The Cosmic Context

While the lemon-and-chili ritual is folklore, its roots run deep into scriptural tradition. According to the Linga Purana, after the great churning of the ocean, Lord Vishnu assigned Alakshmi (Jyestha) a role in creation as the counterbalance to Lakshmi. Married to a sage named Dussaha, she proved unable to tolerate auspiciousness and brought only misery, until even her husband abandoned her. Seeking sustenance, she appealed to Vishnu, who decreed that she would be maintained through offerings made by household women. In effect, this meant that wherever Alakshmi entered, she could “feed” on the home’s provisions or prosperity, unless appeased with a share. This arrangement was not a blessing but a cosmic necessity—ensuring balance between wealth and poverty, fortune and misfortune. Later texts like the Strīdharmapaddhati echo this, advising that women daily set aside a portion of food for Jyestha-Alakshmi to prevent her from consuming their fortune. Thus, the practice of acknowledging Alakshmi is seen as a way of keeping her malefic influence at bay while preserving the grace of Lakshmi.

Alakshmi in Scripture: The Śrī Sūkta Connection

While the lemon-chili hanging is a folk practice, its spirit resonates strongly with Hindu scriptural wisdom. In fact, one of the most revered  Vedic hymns (and a favorite of mine after the Purusha Suktam), the Śrī Sūkta of the Ṛgveda, mirrors the very intention of this ritual: it explicitly prays for the banishment of Alakshmi (misfortune) and the welcoming of Lakshmi (good fortune) into one’s life.

One verse of the Śrī Sūkta pointedly asks that the forces of lack and misfortune be driven out of the devotee’s home:

“क्षुत्पिपासामलां ज्येष्ठामलक्ष्मीं नाशयाम्यहम् ।
अभूतिं असमृद्धिं च सर्वां निर्नुद मे गृहत् ॥”

(Śrī Sūkta, v.8)

Translation: “I destroy hunger, thirst, and impurity — all that is [of] Jyeṣṭhā (the elder sister, Alakshmi) — and drive out every wretchedness and lack of prosperity from my home.”

Another verse follows the expulsion of Alakshmi with an invocation of Lakshmi’s presence:

“तां पद्मिनीम् ईं शरणमहं प्रपद्ये ।
अलक्ष्मीर् मे नश्यतां त्वां वृणे ॥”

(Śrī Sūkta, v.5)

Translation: “I take refuge in that lotus-residing Goddess (Lakshmi); may Alakshmi within me be destroyed, and in Your presence (O Lakshmi) do I seek my boon (i.e. I choose you).”

Symbolism of Lemon and Chilies: Purity and Protection

Beyond the mythology, lemon and chilies carry rich symbolic meaning in the spiritual mindset. Together they are thought to create a vibrant shield of protection for the household.

• Absorbing negativity: The lemon, with its bright acidity, is believed to absorb negative energy like a sponge. Its sour juice is thought to soak up the “evil eye” (malicious glances or envy) that could otherwise harm the household. Hanging a lemon at the doorway is said to similarly draw in any bad vibes before they can enter further.
• Repelling evil influences: The fiery chilies are thought to repel malefic forces with their heat. Just as the burning spice of a chili is used to perform exorcisms, it is symbolically believed to scare away evil spirits or negative energies. The chili’s pungency “burns” or intimidates the malevolent eye that might fall on the home.
• Balance of energies: Sour and hot are two potent tastes, and in Ayurvedic thought they stimulate and energize. The combination of the two in one talisman creates a dynamic balance – neither negativity nor stagnation can linger.

It’s no surprise, then, that nimbu-mirchi is also seen as an “evil eye” totem (nazar battu). Just as one might use a black dot or a charm to divert a malicious gaze, this bright sour-spicy garland serves as a literal distraction for negative forces. After a week or so, people usually discard the shriveled lemon-chili and replace it, symbolically throwing away any accumulated negativity with it. 

Conclusion: Devotion at the Threshold

In the end, the widespread habit of hanging lemons and chilies on doors is more than just superstition or decor—it’s a living spiritual practice at the everyday level. It beautifully marries folklore with philosophy: on one hand, a devotional offering to appease a mythic embodiment of misfortune, and on the other, a powerful symbolic affirmation that our homes are sanctuaries of positivity.

Through this humble talisman, generations express faith that sourness and bitterness (Alakshmi) will transform into sweetness (Lakshmi) in their lives. The ritual also serves as a gentle reminder to the household: to truly keep Alakshmi away, one must cultivate an environment that Lakshmi finds inviting – one of cleanliness, generosity, prayer, and sincere intentions.

Thus, the next time you see a little lemon and chilies swaying in the breeze at someone’s door, you’ll know its story. This bright nimbu-mirchi, sour and spicy – a colorful guardian that keeps Alakshmi’s misfortune out, while the lamp of Lakshmi’s abundance shines within.