Such a wonderful court of the Goddess, where if even a grain of rice is thrown at the goat, it becomes unconscious. What is the secret of this 'Akshat Bali'?
Mundeshwari Temple Kaimur: Such a wonderful court of the Goddess where if even a grain of rice is thrown at the goat, it becomes unconscious. What is the secret of this Akshat Bali?
Mystery of Goddess Mundeshwari Temple Kaimur: In the Sanatan tradition, which is considered to be the world's most ancient lifestyle and religious culture, a word like 'Bali' has been made controversial. A specific meaning and image has been created for it, in which Bali means the killing of a living being. But this perception not only misrepresents the depth of the Sanatan tradition, but also ignores its original meaning and significance.
The true meaning of sacrifice
Bali means 'sacrifice', 'donation' and 'offering' in Sanskrit. In English it is called 'offering', which refers to the process of dedicating an object or service to a deity or a higher power. It is a symbol of purity and selflessness. This verse from the Rig Veda (1/114/8) makes this clear:
Mundeshwari Temple Kaimur: Such a wonderful court of the Goddess where if even a grain of rice is thrown at the goat, it becomes unconscious. What is the secret of this Akshat Bali?
Concept of sacrifice in mythological texts
This verse of Rigveda tells us that sacrifice does not mean killing any living being. In the Vedic period, the purpose of sacrifice was to maintain non-violence and balance with nature. In various chapters of Yajurveda and Samveda, animal killing has been declared a sin. In these, killing of animals like sheep, goats, cows, horses, and birds has been specifically prohibited.
The distorted form of the sacrificial practice
After the Vedic period, a distorted form of the practice of sacrifice came to the fore in some periods. In this, the belief developed that the sacrifice of goat, chicken or other creatures pleases the gods and fulfills wishes. This belief was not only spread under the guise of Tantra-Mantra, but an attempt was made to justify it in the name of religion. However, this is completely contrary to the basic principles of the Sanatan tradition.
Mundeshwari Temple: Tradition of non-violent sacrifice
Mundeshwari temple located in Kaimur district of Bihar is a place where the practice of sacrifice is prevalent in a non-violent form. Here Akshat (rice) is used for sacrifice. This process is symbolic and no living being is harmed in it. Akshat is offered at the feet of the goddess, after which it becomes a medium to awaken power.
The priests of the temple tell that the goat brought for the vow is laid down at the feet of the goddess and rice grains are thrown on it. After this, the goat becomes unconscious for a few moments and then returns to normal state. In this process, neither any living being is killed nor blood is shed. This tradition is proof of the fact that sacrifice does not mean killing a living being, but symbolic dedication.
History of Mundeshwari Temple
Mundeshwari temple is built in hexagonal shape, which makes it unique and mysterious. This temple dates back to the third-fourth century and its ancient coins and inscriptions prove its historicity. Even after the time of the Gupta dynasty, this temple is worshipped as the awakened place of Goddess Shakti.
In the Sanatan tradition, the real meaning of sacrifice is 'charity' and 'offering', not killing of living beings. Vedic scriptures and mythological stories confirm this. The non-violent sacrifice practice of the Mundeshwari temple highlights the truth that compassion towards nature and living beings is paramount in Sanatan Dharma. To remove the negative notions about sacrifice, it is necessary to understand and propagate the basic essence of this tradition.
PC:Indianews
