Animal sacrifice prohibited during temple fair

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Mar 24, 2015 :    Addressing media on March 24, the district BJP president Tingalay Vikramarjuna Hedge alleged that the district administration has taken hasty decision of banning the animal sacrifice in the temple, wherein the tradition has a legacy of thousands of years. The devotees are committed in belief and they offer prayers to the Goddess in the form of animal sacrifice. There is strong dissent following the HC order on animal sacrifice. 

Udupi District administration should have deliberated over the issue couple of months ago and the decision would not have been a sudden jolt to the devotees who come from neighbouring districts like Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Uttar Kannada and Dakshina Kannada.

The animal sacrifice popularly called as ’Bali Pooje’ is sacrosanct to the devotees.  As the result of the writ petition filed by the party through Gurme Suresh Shetty in the Karnataka High Court, the Court has sent a notice to the government.

The Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike strongly protested against the district administration’s decision to ban animal sacrifice at Kaup Marigudi temple. Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike founder president Yogish Shetty Jeppu said the district administration’s decision has deeply hurt the sacred and religious sentiments of  people.    Sacrificing the animals during the feast, especially fowls,  are a ritual observed since the time when the temple came into existence. He demanded that the district administration should immediately withdraw its decision.

Further, the World Animal Welfare Board and Rajya Goseva Ayoga have appreciated the district administration for taking the bold step. Speaking to the media, World Animal Welfare Board president Dayananda Swamiji said that the devotees should immediately stop the sacrifice.  The High Court order should not be violated, tantamount to contempt of court which could result in grave action.

Expressing his shock over the animal sacrifice taking place in forward district like Udupi, the seer said that the country is known for its ideals of spirituality and non-violence. He alleged that around one crore animals are sacrificed each year. He added that he through his organization has stopped the massacre of nearly two crore animals in 800 cases in his 25 years of struggle. He said as per the Karnataka Prevention of Animal Sacrifices Act, 1959 and Act No: 3 of 1960, sacrificing the animals is totally banned.

The High Court has issued an order February 15, 2008 and the second order was issue during the month of December in the same year. He said if there are violations of the court order the district administration would be held responsible. He added he has stopped the ritual of animal sacrifice with the help of district administration and district police in several areas.

Security :  Security arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the annual fair at Kaup Marigudi temple, as per reports. Udupi SP Annamalai informed media  that the people are requested not to violate the High Court order. Appeals through the local leaders have also been made. The devotees indulging in  animal sacrifice would face the law in all certainty.