<P> Sikhs use the Punjabi term amrita (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ) for the holy water used in the baptism ceremony known as Amrit Sanskar or Amrit Chhakhna . </P> <P> In Hinduism, water represents God in a spiritual sense which is the central theme in Mantra Pushpam from Taithreeya Aranyakam of Yajur Veda . Bathing in holy water is, thus, a key element in Hinduism, and the Ganges is considered the holiest Hindu river . </P> <P> 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 . Not only water but also oil and strings are blessed in this ceremony . Most Mahayana Buddhists typically recite sutras or various mantras (typically that of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara for example) numerous times over the water, which is then either consumed or is used to bless homes afterwards . In Vajrayana Buddhism, a Bumpa, a ritual object, is one of the Ashtamangala, used for storing sacred water sometimes, symbolizing wisdom and long life . </P> <P> The Sunni Muslim variety of holy water is the Zamzam water that comes from a spring by The Kaaba . </P>

Holy water at the entrance of the church