The most ancient Hindu temples in the island. Both Hinduism and Buddhism are dharmic religions and one key distinguishing factor has been the reverence for the cow by both Buddhists and Hindus. It has recently emerged that 9 cows out of over 40 that had been sent by this temple to be looked after had actually been sold to a Muslim butcher to be slaughtered. The GOSL recently passed the Animal Welfare Bill while in India 24 out of 29 states have banned cattle slaughter. India has been donating funds for the restoration of the temple and it was at a recent event that these cows were sent to be slaughtered calling for an inquiry and action by authorities. On January 16 the Hindu community celebrated what is known as Mattu Pongal, a day dedicated to honour cattle and especially cows for the important and even sacred role they play in sustaining human life. In Hinduism, the cow is a symbol of wealth, strength, abundance, selfless giving and full of earthly life. Yet, animals are now being slaughtered as part of sacrifice or to seek divine blessings and these sacrifices are taking place in not only Sri Lanka but in India, Nepal and other South Asian nations as well. This has become a new religious ‘culture’ but one that departs from the essential teachings of the religion. Munneswaram kovil has become a favorite sacrifice centre. Is there any God that expects blood of another living being to bestow merit upon a person. Who are creating these new theories? All living beings feel pain, they too have emotions. Would we like to be taken to be sacrificed for another to gain merit? The animal taken to be slaughtered feels the pain. People have voices and hands to relay their emotions. Animals can only shed tears knowing they are being taken to be killed, they can only scream as they line up in queues to face the axe. - See more at: http://www.kantipur-video.com/videos/thiruketheeswaram-kovil-sold-for-slaughter/#sthash.XUDUr6GH.dpuf
