Lambs sacrificed on temple festival in Tiruchirapalli

Tiruchirapalli, Mar 8: Hundreds of lambs were sacrificed to the local deity 'Kuzhumaay Amman' on the occasion of the annual 'Kuttikudi Festival' (tasting of lamb's blood) at Puthur in the city this morning.

Kuzhumaayi Amman temple festival is an annual four day celebration during the auspicious Tamil month of 'Maasi' and the 'Kuttikudi' falls on the final day.

The traditional lamb-sacrificing ceremony has been in practice for the past several centuries. Today, hundreds of devotees from across the state throng the temple carrying sacrificial lambs, seeking blessings of the goddess.

The temple 'Marulali' (priest), accepts the lambs and tastes their raw blood fulfilling the age-old belief that the offerings (Lambs) will be accepted by the deity in the form of temple priest.

Keeping with the tradition, on behalf of the government, the first lamb was sacrificed, followed by the Police Department and the public.

Elaborate security arrangements were in place in view of the festival.

UNI