Ban on animal sacrifice during temple fair sees protest

Following the district administration decision to ban the animal sacrifice at Kaup Marigudi temple during the annual fair taking place on March 24 and 25, on the sidelines of High Court order has resulted in stiff opposition and support from across various corners of the society.

Speaking to the media persons here on Tuesday, 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 the legacy running behind thousands of years. The devotees are associated with the belief and they offer prayer to the Goddess in the form of animal sacrifice.

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’ has the sacred spirit among devotees. Meanwhile as the result of the writ petition filed by the party through Gurme Suresh Shetty at High Court, the Court has sent a notice to the government.

‘Hurts sentiments’

The Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike strongly protested against the district administration’s decision to ban animal sacrifice at  Kaup Marigudi temple at      Clock Tower. Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike founder president Yogish Shetty Jeppu said the district administration’s decision has deeply hurt the sacred and religious sentiments of Tulunadu people.

Sacrificing the animals during the feast, especially the hens are the rituals that has been followed since the time when the temple came into existence. He demanded that the district administration should immediately withdraw its decision.

Despite strong opposition, the World Animal Welfare Board and Rajya Goseva Ayoga have appreciated the district administration for taking the bold step. Speaking to the media persons, World Animal Welfare Board president Dayananda Swamiji said that the devotees should immediately stop the sacrifice.

The High Court order should not be violated, which accounts to the contempt of court.
Expressing his shock over the animal sacrifice taking place in literate 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 in State 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 order during the 15 February 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. The officials should have to loose the job.

He added he has stopped the ritual of animal sacrifice with the help of district administration and district police in the areas like Kappadi in Mysore, Talakadu, Tippeswami Jatre in Chitradurga and in Rona taluk in Gadag, he added.