Go Spiritual News Magazine & App February 8, 2026 – Mumbai, India
A disturbing scene of animal suffering has once again brought the sacred principle of ahimsa into sharp focus, as reports emerge from the Bheemanna Jatara (Jagtial Temple Yatra) at the historic Bheemeswara Temple in Raikal, Jagtial district, Telangana.
On the final day of the three-day festival (Tuesday, February 3, 2026), an estimated 50 goats—with local accounts ranging up to 70—were subjected to the traditional yet extremely painful ritual known as “gavu pattadam”. In this practice, men reportedly bit into the throats of live goats, causing them to bleed out slowly over an extended period rather than using any swift or humane method of slaughter. Disturbing videos circulating widely show the animals writhing in agony, bloodied throats, and men with blood on their faces and bodies, all within the temple premises while police maintained crowd control.
Animal rights activist Adulapuram Goutham bravely documented the acts and lodged a complaint with Raikal police, describing the method as one of the cruelest forms of killing he has witnessed. He emphasized that such prolonged suffering is completely avoidable and stands in direct violation of existing laws.
In response, Raikal Police promptly registered an FIR against the festival organizers (including named individuals such as P. Sudhakar and D. Gangadhar) under:
- Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (mischief by killing or maiming animals),
- Section 6 of the Telangana Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1950,
- Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Authorities have confirmed an ongoing investigation, while noting that police presence was limited to bandobast (crowd management) duties and they did not directly observe the ritual acts. Officials have also initiated counseling sessions with organizers to promote awareness of legal and humane alternatives.
Defenders of the custom, including some devotees and the temple priest, describe it as an ancient generational tradition tied to fulfilling personal vows and seeking divine blessings from Lord Bheemeswara. The yatra, which attracts over 10,000 pilgrims from Telangana and neighboring regions, is deeply rooted in local faith and cultural identity.
Yet this incident is part of a troubling pattern. In the past six months alone, at least seven similar reports of animal sacrifices during jatras and temple festivals have surfaced across Telangana districts—including Rajanna Sircilla and Karimnagar—claiming the lives of nearly 100 animals in cruel ways.
For those who walk the path of Sanātana Dharma and universal spirituality, this moment calls for deep introspection. The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 16, verses 1–3) lists ahimsa (non-violence) among the foremost divine qualities. Great saints and modern spiritual voices have consistently taught that the Divine resides in every living being. When devotion inflicts unnecessary pain on innocent creatures, does it truly draw us closer to the Supreme, or does it create distance from the essence of compassion?
As Sonu Tyagi, Founder of Go Spiritual, frequently reminds us: “Humanity is the highest religion. Let our rituals reflect kindness, reverence for all life, and the timeless truth that every soul is sacred.”
This tragedy from the Jagtial Temple Yatra invites transformation: symbolic offerings of flowers, fruits, coconuts, and acts of selfless service (seva) can beautifully honor tradition while upholding ahimsa. May the suffering of these innocent beings awaken a collective resolve to evolve our practices toward greater empathy and grace.
Go Spiritual News stands for compassionate spirituality. We urge readers to:
- Support animal welfare initiatives,
- Advocate for humane alternatives in religious festivals,
- Share stories of kindness-centered devotion.
Download the Go Spiritual App today for daily guidance on ethical living, inner peace, and dharma in action.
#AhimsaInDevotion #EndAnimalSacrifice #JagtialTempleYatra #BheemannaJatara #CompassionateSpirituality #GoSpiritual
Subscribe & Stay Inspired: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spiritual.gospiritual&hl=en_IN
