These 7 Hindu temples in India offer meat and alcohol to God as 'Prasad'
These 7 Hindu temples in India offer meat and alcohol to God as 'Prasad'
Most people think Hinduism is all about vegetarian food, and that's why 'prasad' (holy offering) in temples is usually sweets, fruits, or veg food. But do you know, there are a few temples in India where non-vegetarian food and even alcohol are offered as prasad.
India is known for its rich and diverse religious traditions. Most people believe that only sweets, fruits, or veg food is offered to God.
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However, there are some unique temples in the country where devotees offer meat, fish, and even alcohol like rum, vodka, and whisky to the gods. Surprising as it may sound, these unusual rituals are an important part of local faith and customs. Let's find out more about these unique and lesser-known temples.
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Kamakhya Temple, located in the scenic Nilachal Hills of Assam, is one of the 51 sacred Shaktipeeths. Known worldwide as a major center for Tantra practices, this temple has a unique tradition. Devotees offer meat and fish to the goddess as prasad, which is later shared among the worshippers. It is believed that offering these items pleases the goddess.
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The Tarapith Temple, located in West Bengal's Birbhum district, is well-known among devotees of Goddess Durga. At this temple, people offer meat sacrifices, which are offered to the goddess as bhog along with alcohol. Later, this offering is shared with the devotees as prasad.
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At the Kaal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, alcohol is offered to the deity as prasad, a tradition that's been followed for centuries. Devotees believe that Lord Kal Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, actually drinks the liquor offered to him. The remaining alcohol is then shared with the devotees as sacred prasad.
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Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal, is one of the 51 holy Shaktipeeths and is around 200 years old. Here, many devotees sacrifice goats to please Goddess Kali. The meat from the sacrifice is later shared as prasad among the devotees.
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The Muniyandi Swami Temple in Vadakkampatti village near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is known for offering chicken and mutton biryani as prasad. Lord Muniyandi, believed to be a form of Lord Shiva, is worshipped here. Every year, a special three-day festival is held where biryani is served as prasad, and people come from far and wide to enjoy it.
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Tarkulha Devi Temple located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its annual Khichdi Mela and for fulfilling devotees' wishes. During Chaitra Navratri, people from all over India visit this temple. When their wishes come true, they offer a goat to the goddess. The meat is then cooked in clay pots and given to devotees as prasad.
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Parassinikadavu Temple in Kerala is dedicated to Lord Muthappan, who is believed to be a form of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, born in the Kali Yuga. People worship him with great devotion in South India. At this temple, cooked fish and toddy (a local alcoholic drink) are offered to the deity. It is believed that offering this helps fulfill one's wishes. This offering is later shared with devotees as prasad.
