History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v6.c81.664.1

v6.c81.664.1

Much has been written about the sacrifice of animals in Durgāpūjā. Only a few points can be dealt with here. The *Kālikā-purāṇa* enumerates the following animals as fit for sacrifice in honour of Durgā and Bhairava⁴²² 'birds, tortoises, crocodiles, fish, deer of nine kinds, buffalo, *gavaya* (Gayal), bull, goat, *mongoose*, boar, rhinoceros, black antelope, śarabha (a fabulous animal), lion, tiger, a human being and blood from one's own (i. e. the performer's) body; but the females of the species specified above were not to be offered as *bali* and the person who did so would go to hell. This was probably a concession to placate Devī who might have a soft corner for a bali of her own sex. The bali should have no defect and should not be one whose tail or ears were cut off. Though the above list of victims that may be offered is long, usually only goats and he-buffaloes were sacrificed. It is said ⁴²³ 'the Devī that resides on Vindhya is not so well pleased with the offerings of flowers, incense, and unguents and of other animals as she is pleased with offerings of rams and he-buffaloes'. The Varṣa-kriyā-kaumudī⁴²⁴ quotes "one should never offer to the great Devī a horse or elephant; if a brāhmaṇa offers a lion, a tiger or a human being (as *bali*) he would go to hell and even in this world he would have a short life and would be devoid of happiness and prosperity; if (a brāhmaṇa) offers his own blood, he would be guilty of suicide.