Cobra laid to rest as per Hindu rituals

Madikeri, Karnataka, Oct 7 (UNI) People killing serpents to save themselves may be a common sight, but performing last rites for a cobra as per Hindu scriptures is definitely far from common.

A cobra got this rare opportunity at Bhagamandala, the confluence of the rivers Cauvery, Kannike and Sujyothi, from the residents of the town, yesterday.

The reptile, which had taken refuge in a steel-laden lorry, was was writhing in pain after being injured. Fearing that leaving the cobra to writhe in pain in a holy place would bring curse to the entire town, the steel loaders killed it.

Their belief that performing last rites for the snake would free them from the curse of killing, led to the cobra being laid to rest.

A priest was engaged for the purpose, who performed the ritual on the banks of the river Cauvery.

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