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Log inTamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
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Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by Guest Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:00 am
ERODE: At least 5,000 baby goats were slaughtered at a temple festival at Poosariyur near Anthiyur here on Friday and their blood was consumed by the priests and a number of devotees. Childless women too drink blood to invoke the blessings of the deity, regarded locally as the giver of fertility.
The ritual was conducted to usher in prosperity to the local agrarian community. Friday was the 17th day of the Tamil calendar month of Chithirai and it was auspicious for Semmunisamy, presiding deity of the ancient temple. Devotees started gathering from the morning with baby goats and they were sacrificed at the temple altar. Priests drank the blood and handed over the rest to the devotees. The meat was distributed free of cost to all.
As per local belief, eating the meat will protect them from chronic diseases. A few years ago, animal sacrifices were banned in temples. However, following protests from devotees, the ban was lifted. Those who sacrificed the goats are not supposed to consume it.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-28/coimbatore/31451757_1_temple-fest-goats-chithirai
The ritual was conducted to usher in prosperity to the local agrarian community. Friday was the 17th day of the Tamil calendar month of Chithirai and it was auspicious for Semmunisamy, presiding deity of the ancient temple. Devotees started gathering from the morning with baby goats and they were sacrificed at the temple altar. Priests drank the blood and handed over the rest to the devotees. The meat was distributed free of cost to all.
As per local belief, eating the meat will protect them from chronic diseases. A few years ago, animal sacrifices were banned in temples. However, following protests from devotees, the ban was lifted. Those who sacrificed the goats are not supposed to consume it.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-28/coimbatore/31451757_1_temple-fest-goats-chithirai
Guest- Guest
Re: Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by Guest Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:06 am
PATNA: Unfazed by the hue and cry against animal sacrifice in the name of worship, various historic temples in the city still perform 'bali (sacrifice)' on the occasion of Durga Puja.
The over 150-year-old Kali Mandir at Darbhanga House on the Patna University campus continues its age-old tradition of performing animal sacrifice to appease goddess Kali. "Thousands of devout Hindus come to witness animal sacrifice on Mahanavami," said Sunil Kumar, a senior member of the temple management committee.
Pandit Dinanath Jha, chief priest of the temple, said, "According to the legend, the last 24 minutes of 'Mahaashtami' and the first 24 minutes of 'Mahanavami' are known as 'Sandhi' time. This 'Sandhi' time is considered as the most auspicious during Durga Puja, and it is customary to perform 'bali' at this juncture."
He added, "In keeping with our custom, on Mahanavami, after the morning puja, we perform animal sacrifice here. This year, around 100 goats will be sacrificed. This number also depends on the number of devotees who come to offer sacrifice."
At Vindhyavasini Devi temple, Gardanibagh, the sacrifice is mostly offered after Mahanisha, the puja that is performed only by pandits and where no outsider is allowed, said Baba Madan Maharaj. Opposite to this temple, near a tree is the place where 'bali' is performed. "A large number of devotees come here to witness the sacrifice every year in the morning of Mahanavami. This year, we will sacrifice over 50 animals to appease Devi Sheetala, who is also present at this temple," said Maharaj. The Sheetala Devi idol at this temple is over 100 year old, while the Vindhyavasini Devi idol was established in 1984.
Another local temple that still continues the tradition of animal sacrifice is Maa Sheetala Devi temple, Agamkuan. "Till a few years ago, we used to perform hundreds of 'bali', but the number has now gone down due to runaway prices. This year too, at least 25 to 30 animal sacrifices will be performed," said Sunil Mali, prabandhak sevait of the temple. The temple's chief priest, Pandit Sujeet, said, "According to legend, during the 'Sandhi', Durga is worshipped in her Chamunda form. Devi Durga killed Chand and Mund, the two 'asuras (demons), at this time and thus acquired the name of 'Chamunda'. Thus, we give 'bali' near a well to appease the goddess."
"Bali is usually performed after the Mahanisha puja, but we have already performed a couple of sacrifices on 'Mahasaptami' and 'Mahaashtami," said the priests of Maa Sheetala Devi temple, Agamkuan, and Vindhyavasini temple, Gardanibagh.
When contacted about the rules regarding animal sacrifice, SSP, Patna, Amrit Raj said, "Animal sacrifice is illegal." When Patna DM Sanjay Kumar Singh was asked why doesn't the police take any step to stop this practice, he said, "We have received no complaint in this regard."
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-23/patna/34681291_1_animal-sacrifice-chief-priest-chamunda
The over 150-year-old Kali Mandir at Darbhanga House on the Patna University campus continues its age-old tradition of performing animal sacrifice to appease goddess Kali. "Thousands of devout Hindus come to witness animal sacrifice on Mahanavami," said Sunil Kumar, a senior member of the temple management committee.
Pandit Dinanath Jha, chief priest of the temple, said, "According to the legend, the last 24 minutes of 'Mahaashtami' and the first 24 minutes of 'Mahanavami' are known as 'Sandhi' time. This 'Sandhi' time is considered as the most auspicious during Durga Puja, and it is customary to perform 'bali' at this juncture."
He added, "In keeping with our custom, on Mahanavami, after the morning puja, we perform animal sacrifice here. This year, around 100 goats will be sacrificed. This number also depends on the number of devotees who come to offer sacrifice."
At Vindhyavasini Devi temple, Gardanibagh, the sacrifice is mostly offered after Mahanisha, the puja that is performed only by pandits and where no outsider is allowed, said Baba Madan Maharaj. Opposite to this temple, near a tree is the place where 'bali' is performed. "A large number of devotees come here to witness the sacrifice every year in the morning of Mahanavami. This year, we will sacrifice over 50 animals to appease Devi Sheetala, who is also present at this temple," said Maharaj. The Sheetala Devi idol at this temple is over 100 year old, while the Vindhyavasini Devi idol was established in 1984.
Another local temple that still continues the tradition of animal sacrifice is Maa Sheetala Devi temple, Agamkuan. "Till a few years ago, we used to perform hundreds of 'bali', but the number has now gone down due to runaway prices. This year too, at least 25 to 30 animal sacrifices will be performed," said Sunil Mali, prabandhak sevait of the temple. The temple's chief priest, Pandit Sujeet, said, "According to legend, during the 'Sandhi', Durga is worshipped in her Chamunda form. Devi Durga killed Chand and Mund, the two 'asuras (demons), at this time and thus acquired the name of 'Chamunda'. Thus, we give 'bali' near a well to appease the goddess."
"Bali is usually performed after the Mahanisha puja, but we have already performed a couple of sacrifices on 'Mahasaptami' and 'Mahaashtami," said the priests of Maa Sheetala Devi temple, Agamkuan, and Vindhyavasini temple, Gardanibagh.
When contacted about the rules regarding animal sacrifice, SSP, Patna, Amrit Raj said, "Animal sacrifice is illegal." When Patna DM Sanjay Kumar Singh was asked why doesn't the police take any step to stop this practice, he said, "We have received no complaint in this regard."
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-23/patna/34681291_1_animal-sacrifice-chief-priest-chamunda
Guest- Guest
Re: Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by bw Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:06 am
a kashmiri tradition perhaps?
bw- Posts : 2922
Join date : 2012-11-15
Re: Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by Guest Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:11 am
bw wrote:a kashmiri tradition perhaps?
lol
Guest- Guest
Re: Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by Guest Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:12 am
bw wrote:a kashmiri tradition perhaps?
To the best of my knowledge, there is only one prominent temple of the Mother Goddess existing in Kashmir proper (i.e. not Jammu where we have Vaishno Devi) and that is the Kheer Bhawani temple. Now i know that the Goddess in Kheer Bhawani temple is a strict vegetarian and it would be a sin to sacrifice animals for her.
Vaishno Devi Goddess (in Jammu) is also a strict vegetarian and hence there are no animal sacrifices for her as well.
Guest- Guest
Re: Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by Guest Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:13 am
it seems to me that with respect to animal sacrifices Kashmiri hinduism is more refined than the cruder variety existing in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and several other parts of India.
Guest- Guest
Re: Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by bw Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:30 am
my internet research shows that animal practice was prevalent in kashmir once upon a time.
considering that the kashmiris were carrying their tradition southward all through the centuries, we may conclusively conclude that this was another such transmission that happened.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahu_Fort
Mahakali temple
It is a renowned Shakti temple built within the fort during the 8th
century. It has been built in white marble on a raised platform of 1.2
metres (3.9 ft) height. While it is claimed that it was built during 8th
or 9th century, the temple as built looks modern. It is a small temple
which can accommodate only a few worshippers at a time at the Mandapa, outside the sanctum sanctorum. In the past, animal sacrifice was practiced at this temple, which has since been discontinued.
considering that the kashmiris were carrying their tradition southward all through the centuries, we may conclusively conclude that this was another such transmission that happened.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahu_Fort
Mahakali temple
It is a renowned Shakti temple built within the fort during the 8th
century. It has been built in white marble on a raised platform of 1.2
metres (3.9 ft) height. While it is claimed that it was built during 8th
or 9th century, the temple as built looks modern. It is a small temple
which can accommodate only a few worshippers at a time at the Mandapa, outside the sanctum sanctorum. In the past, animal sacrifice was practiced at this temple, which has since been discontinued.
bw- Posts : 2922
Join date : 2012-11-15
Re: Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by Marathadi-Saamiyaar Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:35 am
Rashmun wrote:ERODE: At least 5,000 baby goats were slaughtered at a temple festival at Poosariyur near Anthiyur here on Friday and their blood was consumed by the priests and a number of devotees. Childless women too drink blood to invoke the blessings of the deity, regarded locally as the giver of fertility.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-28/coimbatore/31451757_1_temple-fest-goats-chithirai
Finally people are listening to my suggestion on how to get mentally stronger.
Marathadi-Saamiyaar- Posts : 17675
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Age : 110
Re: Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by Guest Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:41 am
bw wrote:my internet research shows that animal practice was prevalent in kashmir once upon a time.
considering that the kashmiris were carrying their tradition southward all through the centuries, we may conclusively conclude that this was another such transmission that happened.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahu_Fort
Mahakali temple
It is a renowned Shakti temple built within the fort during the 8th
century. It has been built in white marble on a raised platform of 1.2
metres (3.9 ft) height. While it is claimed that it was built during 8th
or 9th century, the temple as built looks modern. It is a small temple
which can accommodate only a few worshippers at a time at the Mandapa, outside the sanctum sanctorum. In the past, animal sacrifice was practiced at this temple, which has since been discontinued.
very interesting. thanks for the link. I will point out that Kashmir, South India (particularly the region in and around Tamil Nadu), and eastern and north-east india were the regions most closely associated with the existence and prevalence of Tantrism. There is a possible connection between these animal sacrifices and Tantrism.
Guest- Guest
Re: Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by indophile Mon Feb 11, 2013 6:11 pm
I wonder how many millions of goats, sheep, camels, cows, horses and other assorted animals are slaughtered as part of Bakrid Qurbani (sacrifice). A news item on lakhs of goats being sacrificed in just Bombay.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/mumbai-celebrates-bakrid-065344344.html
http://in.news.yahoo.com/mumbai-celebrates-bakrid-065344344.html
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Join date : 2011-04-29
Location : Glenn Dale, MD
Re: Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by Vakavaka Pakapaka Mon Feb 11, 2013 6:32 pm
indophile wrote:I wonder how many millions of goats, sheep, camels, cows, horses and other assorted animals are slaughtered as part of Bakrid Qurbani (sacrifice). A news item on lakhs of goats being sacrificed in just Bombay.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/mumbai-celebrates-bakrid-065344344.html
This has nothing to do with Rashmun's hero - Jalaluddin!
Seriously, animal sacrifice was not uncommon among Hindus in the past. Main stream Hinduism abolished it during Sankara's time. But graama devata type worship still involves animal sacrifices in some places (all across India). Rashmun tried to make animal slaughter look like a TN issue but bw seems to have busted his enthusiasm. For all you know, animal sacrifices may be more common in NI than in SI.
Vakavaka Pakapaka- Posts : 7611
Join date : 2012-08-24
Re: Tamil Nadu: Erode: 5000 goats sacrificed in bizarre Hindu festival
by Guest Mon Feb 11, 2013 6:40 pm
Vakavaka Pakapaka wrote:indophile wrote:I wonder how many millions of goats, sheep, camels, cows, horses and other assorted animals are slaughtered as part of Bakrid Qurbani (sacrifice). A news item on lakhs of goats being sacrificed in just Bombay.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/mumbai-celebrates-bakrid-065344344.html
This has nothing to do with Rashmun's hero - Jalaluddin!
Seriously, animal sacrifice was not uncommon among Hindus in the past. Main stream Hinduism abolished it during Sankara's time. But graama devata type worship still involves animal sacrifices in some places (all across India). Rashmun tried to make animal slaughter look like a TN issue but bw seems to have busted his enthusiasm. For all you know, animal sacrifices may be more common in NI than in SI.
Vakavaka, i had said that my (tentative) opinion was that Kashmiri Hinduism seems more refined than the hinduism practiced in many other regions in India including Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh because the two main Goddess temples in Kashmir and Jammu do not have animal sacrifices being carried out for the Goddesses because the Goddesses in these temples are vegetarian.
It is sad to see a renowned and famous poster like you telling petty lies. I love TN as much as i love UP. Perhaps i have a little more love for Kashmir but that is because that unfortunate region has been through so much turbulence in history even though it is of course an integral part of India and an important contributor to the development of Indian culture.
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