Hi, I would like to use the image of animal sacrifice as I witnessed in Calcutta; however, I'd like a little more information about this practice. Why is it performed, for instance. I'd appreciate any information. Thanks a lot!
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Mountains and Valleys
52,270 / 50,000
Oct 19, 2007 - 19 20
Well, animal sacrifice is pretty rare in India nowadays, and isn't really talked about a lot, so I don't know much. However, I do know that they were/are mostly done for very special and grand occasions, most commonly for the purpose of honoring the mother goddess, mostly in shaktism. Also in rural areas during Navrati, which indeed celebrates goddesses.
I'm pretty sure smaller sacrifices were performed in villages for bountiful harvest and such, as in other places, but I'm not sure if that's what you want. In any case, that's much more common than temple sacrifice. Even there, however, it is common to offer other food instead.
Googling "animal sacrifice in Hinduism" should get some answers.
50,472 / 50,000
Oct 20, 2007 - 04 30
Since you saw it in India, why not post to the India regional lounge where they're more likely to know what you're talking about? :) You'll get their attention better there.
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Laurie, ML for Sri Lanka, Asia: Elsewhere
Why, yes, I am crazy. Why do you ask?