Ritual involving animal sacrifice performed not at Kerala temple, but nearby, claims Shivakumar

PTI, Jun 1, 2024, 5:45 PM IST

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar clarified on Saturday that the ‘Shatru Bhairavi Yaga’, a controversial ritual involving animal sacrifice, was not performed at the Rajarajeshwara temple in Kerala but rather in a private area nearby.

The Kerala government confirmed this, adding that no animal sacrifices were held near the temple. They reiterated the findings after an internal investigation.

Shivakumar had previously claimed the ritual was conducted targeting him, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and the Congress government. Without naming anyone, he alleged political figures were involved and that Aghoris were consulted for the ritual. Shivakumar emphasized his respect for Kerala temples, expressing concern about potential misunderstandings.

Kerala Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan stated, ‘We investigated the claim and also contacted the Malabar Devaswom Board. The preliminary report states that nothing like that happened in or near the temple.’

Shivakumar shared that the ‘Shatru Bhairavi Yaga’ aims at ‘Shatru Samhara’ (destruction of enemies) and involved sacrificing 21 goats, three buffaloes, 21 black sheep, and five pigs. He noted that information was obtained from a participating priest but did not disclose specific details.