http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/5000-goats-sacrificed-at-temple-fest/articleshow/12904159.cms?intenttarget=no
TNN | Apr 28, 2012, 03.35AM IST
ERODE: At least 5,000 baby goats were slaughtered at a temple festival at Poosariyur near Anthiyur here on Friday and their blood was consumed by the priests and a number of devotees. Childless women too drink blood to invoke the blessings of the deity, regarded locally as the giver of fertility.
The ritual was conducted to usher in prosperity to the local agrarian community. Friday was the 17th day of the Tamil calendar month of Chithirai and it was auspicious for Semmunisamy, presiding deity of the ancient temple. Devotees started gathering from the morning with baby goats and they were sacrificed at the temple altar. Priests drank the blood and handed over the rest to the devotees. The meat was distributed free of cost to all.
As per local belief, eating the meat will protect them from chronic diseases. A few years ago, animal sacrifices were banned in temples. However, following protests from devotees, the ban was lifted. Those who sacrificed the goats are not supposed to consume it.
