Sacrifice Of Owl On Diwali: According to Hindu beliefs, owl holds a special place. Its nocturnal, solitary and loud speaking gives it a distinct identity. The owl is often associated with 'Alakshmi', the goddess of inauspiciousness and who is seen with unresolved karma from past lives. In India, the demand for owls increases during Diwali and they are sold illegally for Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. Sacrifice of owl during Diwali is considered a way to maintain the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Due to the stable and round eyes of the owl, it is considered a symbol of intelligence. This recognition is spread not only in India but throughout the world. In ancient Greece and Asia, owls have also been associated with wealth, prosperity and auspicious and inauspicious signs.
Mythological and cultural significance
According to some Hindu beliefs, Goddess Lakshmi's vehicle is an owl, while some say that she comes riding on an elephant accompanied by an owl. Owl has been associated with Lakshmi in various mythological stories, hence by sacrificing an owl on Diwali, the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi remain permanent in the house. In Puri, Odisha, he is worshiped as a 'round-eyed god'.
owl and tantric meditation
In mythological texts, owl has been considered important in tantric practice. In one prominent story, King Daksh performed a yagya in Haridwar but did not invite Lord Shiva. On this Lord Vishnu deprived the Brahmins of education. To solve this, Rishi Gautam established 'Uluk Tantra', due to which Lakshmi and Vishnu removed their curse. Since then followers of Gautam Gotra worship owls on Diwali.
owl illegal trade
According to Wildlife SOS, 'Rock Owl' or 'Eagle Owl' is especially in demand during Diwali. It is believed that these owls are endowed with tantric powers, and sacrificing them brings happiness and prosperity. Before Diwali, owls are sold illegally for Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000. However, owls are protected birds under the Indian Wildlife Act, 1972 and there is a provision of three years' imprisonment for hunting them.
Use of owl in tantric rituals
Tantric sadhana for owl sacrifice starts about a month before Diwali. The owl is prepared for meditation till Diwali by feeding it meat and liquor. On the night of Diwali, an owl is sacrificed and its body parts are kept at different places. It is said that owl's eyes have hypnotic power, hence they are kept in places where people meet. Its feet are kept in the safe.
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