Forget genies! Amroha's 600-year-old shrine has stingless scorpions that devotees borrow to grant wishes

The shrine, known locally as the Dargah of Hazrat Shah Raza, stands in the heart of Amroha, a town in Uttar Pradesh with a long history of Sufi worship. Inside its courtyard, a small glass enclosure houses dozens of tiny, harmless scorpions that have been part of the site’s rituals for centuries. Visitors are allowed to take a scorpion home after performing a simple prayer, with the promise that the creature will aid them in achieving a specific desire, whether it be health, prosperity, or personal success.

The practice is rooted in a folk belief that the scorpions, being free from stingers, symbolize a pure form of assistance that does not cause harm. Local caretakers explain that the insects are carefully bred and released back to the shrine after a short period, ensuring the tradition does not threaten the surrounding environment. While the custom may seem unusual to outsiders, it reflects a broader pattern in Indian spirituality where everyday objects are imbued with symbolic power, linking the material world to the divine.

For readers across India, the story underscores the diversity of regional religious expressions and the ways in which communities preserve unique customs despite modern influences. It also raises questions about animal welfare and the balance between faith‑based practices and contemporary ethical standards. As interest in the shrine grows, local authorities may need to consider guidelines that protect both the cultural heritage and the wellbeing of the scorpions.