The diversity of religious and cultural traditions in India is so vast that worship and beliefs are seen separately in every field. There is a very disputed tradition in these traditions – Animal sacrificeEspecially in festivals like Navratri, Kali Puja, Durga Puja, animals are still sacrificed in some places. The question arises – is it right to sacrifice animals in worship? Is it religiously acceptable or is it an inhuman act? Let’s know what is the opinion of the scriptures on this.
Basic basis of Hinduism Veda There are descriptions of yajna and sacrifice. But its meaning is different from today’s ‘animal murder’. Yajna in the Vedas refers to self -sacrifice, renunciation of ego and symbolic sacrifice. Upanishads Especially violence and animal murder have been denied in. Ishawasya Upanishad It is clearly stated that all beings are the creation of God and it is unrighteous to hurt them.
ManusmritiIt is also said in one of the ancient theology – it is also said –
“Non Violence is the ultimate religion” – That is, non -violence is the biggest religion.
Bhagavad Gita I have also described non -violence as the best quality. Vedanta Darshan and Jain, Buddhism also consider any kind of violence unacceptable.
in some areas Tantric worship system There has been a recognition of animal sacrifice, especially in Shaktipeeths and Kali Puja. In areas like Nepal, Assam, Odisha and Bengal, this tradition is still alive in some places. In the Tantric tradition, it is believed that the goddess is pleased with the sacrifice, but this belief is based on folk beliefs and regional traditions rather than the scriptures.
Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Dayanand Saraswati Like saints have opposed the tradition of animal sacrifice. He described it as a symbol of ignorance, superstition and violence. Gandhiji had said, “To get God, there is no violence, no compassion.”
In India Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 Under this, it is illegal to sacrifice animal in public. However, it still occurs under special permission at some religious places. But the large section of the society now considers it cruelty and old thinking.
If you interpret the scriptures deeply, it is clear that Hinduism is based on non -violence and compassionAnimal sacrifice is neither the order of the Vedas nor the support of the Upanishads. This tradition has been mostly based on tantric and regional beliefs. Today, the demand of the hour is that we should adopt compassion and non -violence, because true worship is the one who does not hurt anyone.
