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Animal sacrifice amongst Hindus
by Guest Mon Nov 11, 2013 10:21 am
Animal sacrifice alive at Ratu Fort
SANTOSH K. KIRO
Artists work on the idol at Ratu Fort. Picture by Manik Bose
Ranchi, Sept. 23: The Ratu Fort, which was once the powerhouse for Nagvanshi rulers of Chhotanagpur, is getting ready for Durga Puja and the age-old ritual of buffalo sacrifice.
Ashok Sutradhar, the artist whose family has been working for Nagvanshi dynasty for several years, is now busy giving final touches to the idol. The place inside the fort where buffaloes will be sacrificed has also been cleaned. The “sacrificial wood” is ready too.
The Hatia MLA and “yuvraj” of the Nagvanshi dynasty, Gopal Sharan Nath Shahdeo, is ensuring that all goes according to plan.
“With the Assembly elections on the cards, political activities have become hectic. But the puja is very special for our family and the people of the region. I would give enough time to it,” said Shahdeo.
Besides, the Durga Bati pandal situated within Ranchi at Ratu Fort is the only other puja that is as old. But only the puja at Ratu Fort observes animal sacrifice.
Here, Durga Puja had begun soon after the Nagvanshi rulers shifted from Palkot to Ranchi in 1870. But the royal family, which was based in Chhotanagpur and districts of Ranchi, Gumla, Simdega, Khunti and Palamau, had started offering animals to the goddess long before shifting to Ranchi. In 64AD, their capital was in Sutiambe near Ranchi. The royals later shifted to Chutia, Khukhragarh and then to Palkot before arriving in Ratu.
“In 1870, Rani Laxman Kunwar, the mother of Pratap Uday Nath Shahdeo started the puja at Ratu. Since she was from Bengal, uchcharan (recital of mantras) was done in Bengali. We are still keeping this tradition alive,” said Sachindra Nath Shahdeo (76). He, however, could not specify when the tradition of karra (buffalo) sacrifice began.
Some years ago, villagers would also participate in buffalo sacrifice. They would come to the fort with their own buffaloes. Today, things have changed. Villagers don’t come from far-flung places like Gumla, Simdega and Palamau but several do arrive from the neighbourhood.
“The number of buffaloes being sacrificed at the altar has also now come down to only seven to eight against hundreds,” Shahdeo said. The Nagvanshi family is also keeping another tradition alive.
Several decades ago, during Bijoya Dashami, a tribal priest of Dimba village near Ratu had brought pata khanda, a kind of flower from his village and offered it to the maharaja. Even today, this practice is repeated.
“This flower, it is believed, has links with Bakasura, who belonged to the dwapara yuga,” Shahdeo said.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090924/jsp/jharkhand/story_11535763.jsp
SANTOSH K. KIRO
Artists work on the idol at Ratu Fort. Picture by Manik Bose
Ranchi, Sept. 23: The Ratu Fort, which was once the powerhouse for Nagvanshi rulers of Chhotanagpur, is getting ready for Durga Puja and the age-old ritual of buffalo sacrifice.
Ashok Sutradhar, the artist whose family has been working for Nagvanshi dynasty for several years, is now busy giving final touches to the idol. The place inside the fort where buffaloes will be sacrificed has also been cleaned. The “sacrificial wood” is ready too.
The Hatia MLA and “yuvraj” of the Nagvanshi dynasty, Gopal Sharan Nath Shahdeo, is ensuring that all goes according to plan.
“With the Assembly elections on the cards, political activities have become hectic. But the puja is very special for our family and the people of the region. I would give enough time to it,” said Shahdeo.
Besides, the Durga Bati pandal situated within Ranchi at Ratu Fort is the only other puja that is as old. But only the puja at Ratu Fort observes animal sacrifice.
Here, Durga Puja had begun soon after the Nagvanshi rulers shifted from Palkot to Ranchi in 1870. But the royal family, which was based in Chhotanagpur and districts of Ranchi, Gumla, Simdega, Khunti and Palamau, had started offering animals to the goddess long before shifting to Ranchi. In 64AD, their capital was in Sutiambe near Ranchi. The royals later shifted to Chutia, Khukhragarh and then to Palkot before arriving in Ratu.
“In 1870, Rani Laxman Kunwar, the mother of Pratap Uday Nath Shahdeo started the puja at Ratu. Since she was from Bengal, uchcharan (recital of mantras) was done in Bengali. We are still keeping this tradition alive,” said Sachindra Nath Shahdeo (76). He, however, could not specify when the tradition of karra (buffalo) sacrifice began.
Some years ago, villagers would also participate in buffalo sacrifice. They would come to the fort with their own buffaloes. Today, things have changed. Villagers don’t come from far-flung places like Gumla, Simdega and Palamau but several do arrive from the neighbourhood.
“The number of buffaloes being sacrificed at the altar has also now come down to only seven to eight against hundreds,” Shahdeo said. The Nagvanshi family is also keeping another tradition alive.
Several decades ago, during Bijoya Dashami, a tribal priest of Dimba village near Ratu had brought pata khanda, a kind of flower from his village and offered it to the maharaja. Even today, this practice is repeated.
“This flower, it is believed, has links with Bakasura, who belonged to the dwapara yuga,” Shahdeo said.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090924/jsp/jharkhand/story_11535763.jsp
Guest- Guest
Re: Animal sacrifice amongst Hindus
by Guest Mon Nov 11, 2013 10:23 am
With the Manmohan Singh Government winning the trust vote, Samajwadi Party MLA from Lanji in Madhya Pradesh, Kishore Samrite, sacrificed 265 animals at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati to express his gratitude, and also to pray that Mulayam Singh Yadav becomes the next prime minister.
He offered 265 animals , the actual vote strength of the UPA-SP, and not 275, the total votes that the government secured with the help of 10 cross-voters.
The MLA is reported to have spent about Rs 25 lakh on the sacrifices which were conducted over the last three days. While most of the animals were goats, there were a number of buffaloes too.
An official of the Kamakhya Trust Board confirmed that the sacrifices were organised and performed by Samrite.
"The SP leader came here and sacrificed the animals before Maa Kamakhya, seeking her blessings for having helped the party ensure that the UPA government won the trust vote," he said.
"In my memory, so many animals have never been sacrificed for a single cause and by a single person in this temple," said Navarun Sharma, an elderly panda (priest) of the temple.
Samrite is reported to have offered a huge sacrifice of goats at Kamakhya Temple in 2005 too.
Animal sacrifices are conducted on a big scale in Kamakhya during the five days of Durga Puja every year. The erstwhile royal family of Nepal were regular visitors, and would offer a couple of buffaloes for sacrifice.
Meanwhile, animal rights groups like People for Animals and PETA have protested against Samrite's action. However, the Kamakhya Trust Board officials maintained that the temple has the right to conduct sacrifices.
"This temple belongs to Maa Kamakhya and it is a shakti shrine where animal sacrifice is an important ritual. I don't see any reason why such a hue and cry is being raised against this ancient ritual that is an inseparable part of Hinduism?" said Riju Prasad Sharma, a member of the temple board.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/after-the-vote-the-poor-goat-sp-mla-sacrifices-265-for-upa/342323/
He offered 265 animals , the actual vote strength of the UPA-SP, and not 275, the total votes that the government secured with the help of 10 cross-voters.
The MLA is reported to have spent about Rs 25 lakh on the sacrifices which were conducted over the last three days. While most of the animals were goats, there were a number of buffaloes too.
An official of the Kamakhya Trust Board confirmed that the sacrifices were organised and performed by Samrite.
"The SP leader came here and sacrificed the animals before Maa Kamakhya, seeking her blessings for having helped the party ensure that the UPA government won the trust vote," he said.
"In my memory, so many animals have never been sacrificed for a single cause and by a single person in this temple," said Navarun Sharma, an elderly panda (priest) of the temple.
Samrite is reported to have offered a huge sacrifice of goats at Kamakhya Temple in 2005 too.
Animal sacrifices are conducted on a big scale in Kamakhya during the five days of Durga Puja every year. The erstwhile royal family of Nepal were regular visitors, and would offer a couple of buffaloes for sacrifice.
Meanwhile, animal rights groups like People for Animals and PETA have protested against Samrite's action. However, the Kamakhya Trust Board officials maintained that the temple has the right to conduct sacrifices.
"This temple belongs to Maa Kamakhya and it is a shakti shrine where animal sacrifice is an important ritual. I don't see any reason why such a hue and cry is being raised against this ancient ritual that is an inseparable part of Hinduism?" said Riju Prasad Sharma, a member of the temple board.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/after-the-vote-the-poor-goat-sp-mla-sacrifices-265-for-upa/342323/
Guest- Guest
Re: Animal sacrifice amongst Hindus
by Guest Mon Nov 11, 2013 10:27 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: Animal sacrifice amongst Hindus
by Guest Mon Nov 11, 2013 10:28 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: Animal sacrifice amongst Hindus
by Guest Mon Nov 11, 2013 10:33 am
Animal sacrifices were part of the Vedic yagnas. One of the main objections of the early Bhuddhists was about animal sacrifices in the Vedic rituals. Over a period of time the praactice of animal sacrifice has been discontinued. The Bali has been replaced with substitutes like pumpkins, guords etc. It has totally disppeared in Vaidic rituals. But it is a fact that Animal sacrifices were the mainstay of the Vedic Yagnas.
Animal sacrifices have continued for a longer period in Tantrik rituals and Folk Hinduism that is worship of the Village Gods and Goddessses. It continues today also. But the frequency is reduced and it is not a very common occurance. In Tamil Nadu animal sacrifices are common in the worship of Madan, Karuppanna swami, Kali, Mariamman and other goddessses. Mostly it is cocks and goats. But buffaloes are also sometimes sacrificed.
The ban on animal sacrifices which was brought by the Tamil Nadu government had to be withdrawn because of public pressure. One of the first acts of the communist government in Keral was to ban animal sacrifices. It was fairly common in Kerala. But even now you still have Kuruthi(blood) pushpanjali and kuruthi Pushpam offering in many temples.
Vegetarian food is preferred for those seeking the spiritual path because of its Sattvik nature. But animal sacrifices were common in most of the Yagnas and it is specifically mentioned in Krishna Yajur Veda which deals with the procedures for Yagnas.
http://kalighat-temple.blogspot.com/2011/11/kali-upasana-and-animal-sacrifice.html
Animal sacrifices have continued for a longer period in Tantrik rituals and Folk Hinduism that is worship of the Village Gods and Goddessses. It continues today also. But the frequency is reduced and it is not a very common occurance. In Tamil Nadu animal sacrifices are common in the worship of Madan, Karuppanna swami, Kali, Mariamman and other goddessses. Mostly it is cocks and goats. But buffaloes are also sometimes sacrificed.
The ban on animal sacrifices which was brought by the Tamil Nadu government had to be withdrawn because of public pressure. One of the first acts of the communist government in Keral was to ban animal sacrifices. It was fairly common in Kerala. But even now you still have Kuruthi(blood) pushpanjali and kuruthi Pushpam offering in many temples.
Vegetarian food is preferred for those seeking the spiritual path because of its Sattvik nature. But animal sacrifices were common in most of the Yagnas and it is specifically mentioned in Krishna Yajur Veda which deals with the procedures for Yagnas.
http://kalighat-temple.blogspot.com/2011/11/kali-upasana-and-animal-sacrifice.html
Guest- Guest
Re: Animal sacrifice amongst Hindus
by Vakavaka Pakapaka Mon Nov 11, 2013 11:15 am
You are scratching the bottom of the barrel. You will find less animal sacrifice in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism (all from the sub-continent) than in Semitic faiths. In fact, with time, there was a gradual winding down of animal sacrifice in Hinduism. Bhojan was started to be classified according to gunas - Satvik, Rajasik and Tamasik. Environmental protection was incorporated and the importance of vegetation for survival of mankind was highlighted. Only recently, there is a revival of meat eating. We have our own PiSS scholars, who come from families with satvik bhojan' habits, who boast of enjoying red meat and sipping whiskey. In Semitic religions, until recently, if a person becomes a vegetarian, the mainstream looked at him as a weirdo. However, these days, you will see many prominent people doing yoga, becoming vegetarians and substituting meat with vegan stuff at Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. The West may be slow in appreciating ahimsa, environmentalism, etc., but with evolution and enlightenment, they are following the same path that people of India did in the past.
Unfortunately, India has been gripped by sikular fukularism and CONartistry. Meat eating, making black money, sipping alcohol, putting down anything Indian and raping women have become fashionable. If there are honest and satvik people, they are mocked and harassed.
Shinde is going after AAP because Kejriwal is becoming popular in Delhi. Ravan CONmen are roaming free on the streets of Delhi. Hopefully, the jhaadu will sweep Delhi in the Assembly election.
I also hope that the next revolution will be on - BIMARU hatao!!! I like to see the corrupt politicians in Rajastan, UP and Bihar dumped in Tihar.
Unfortunately, India has been gripped by sikular fukularism and CONartistry. Meat eating, making black money, sipping alcohol, putting down anything Indian and raping women have become fashionable. If there are honest and satvik people, they are mocked and harassed.
Shinde is going after AAP because Kejriwal is becoming popular in Delhi. Ravan CONmen are roaming free on the streets of Delhi. Hopefully, the jhaadu will sweep Delhi in the Assembly election.
I also hope that the next revolution will be on - BIMARU hatao!!! I like to see the corrupt politicians in Rajastan, UP and Bihar dumped in Tihar.
Vakavaka Pakapaka- Posts : 7611
Join date : 2012-08-24
Re: Animal sacrifice amongst Hindus
by Hellsangel Mon Nov 11, 2013 11:19 am
Guruvu gaaru, FYI:Vakavaka Pakapaka wrote: You will find less animal sacrifice in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism (all from the sub-continent) than in Semitic faiths.
http://judaism.about.com/od/abcsofjudaism/f/sacrifices_stop.htm
Hellsangel- Posts : 14721
Join date : 2011-04-28
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