Kaup : The Karnataka High Court set a ban on of-yore tradition of animal sacrifice being held as part of Suggi Mari Pooja at Marigudi temple in Kaup.

The Karnataka government and Udupi District Administration sent a formal order to ban the animal sacrifice at Kaup Marigudi temple through Department of Animal Husbandry on Monday, March 23 as per order of High Court.

Maripooja is being offered thrice in a year. the temple is observing Suggi Maaripooje fair on Tuesday and Wednesday where the devotees usually sacrifice sheep, goat and chicken to the Goddess Mari signifying fulfillment of vow. Devotees from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and the neighboring states like Kerala and Maharsahtra visit Hale and Hosa Marigudi along with Kalya Marigudi.  

Based on public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Udupi advocate Premraj Kini, the High Court set a ban on animal sacrifice and intimated the temple authorities to stop the practice.

Tashildar Guruprasad, Karkala DySP Vinay Nayka, Kaup CI Sunil Naik, Kaup Station Inspector Manjappa and Deputy Director of Department of Animal Husbandry Dr Prabhulinga announced the ban to the temple heads and villagers at Kaup station on Monday.