While vegetarian bhog is commonly associated with Hindu temples, several Shakta, Tantric and folk traditions across India include offerings such as fish, meat or liquor. In some cases, these offerings are also prepared or distributed as prasad. These practices reflect the diverse ritual and cultural traditions that have developed around different forms of deity worship.
Here are 10 prominent temples known for such traditions:
1. Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam
The Kamakhya Temple in Assam is one of India's most important Shakti shrines and has a strong association with Shakta-Tantric worship. Animal sacrifice, particularly the offering of goats, forms part of certain traditional rituals.
The temple worships the Goddess in the form of the sacred yoni rather than a conventional idol. Its rituals reflect the distinctive traditions of Goddess worship that developed in Assam and the wider northeastern region.
2. Tarapith Temple, West Bengal
At Tarapith in Birbhum district, Goddess Tara is traditionally offered fish and goat meat during certain rituals. Some Tantric practices associated with the shrine also involve alcohol.
The food traditions are closely connected with Bengal's cultural heritage, where fish has historically been an important part of the local diet. Tarapith is also renowned as an important centre of Shakta and Tantric worship.
3. Kalighat Kali Temple, West Bengal
Kolkata's famous Kalighat Kali Temple has historically been associated with animal sacrifice as part of certain rituals. Goats are traditionally offered, and the meat may be cooked and distributed in connection with the ritual.
At the same time, vegetarian offerings are also made at the temple, reflecting the diversity of ritual practices within Bengal's Shakta tradition.
4. Dakshineswar Kali Temple, West Bengal
At Dakshineswar Kali Temple, fish is traditionally included in the bhog offered to Goddess Bhavatarini, a form of Goddess Kali. However, unlike some other Kali temples in Bengal, animal sacrifice is not performed here.
Established in the 19th century by Rani Rashmoni, the temple later became closely associated with the mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Its traditions highlight the diversity of Kali worship in Bengal.
5. Vimala Temple, Puri, Odisha
The Vimala Temple inside the Jagannath Temple complex in Puri represents an important Shakta tradition within the larger Vaishnavite religious setting of Srimandir.
During specific rituals, particularly around Durga Puja, offerings including fish and goat meat are associated with the worship of Goddess Vimala. The shrine holds a distinctive place in Odisha's religious traditions.
6. Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, Kerala
At the Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple in Kannur, devotees traditionally offer dried fish and toddy to Lord Muthappan.
The practices are deeply connected with the folk religious traditions of northern Kerala and the Theyyam cultural tradition. The temple's offerings reflect the close relationship between local food habits, folklore and religious practices.
7. Muniyandi Swami Temple, Tamil Nadu
The Muniyandi Swami Temple at Vadakkampatti near Madurai is known for its annual festival, during which large quantities of chicken and mutton biryani are prepared and distributed.
Muniyandi is a Tamil folk deity, and the temple's traditions are rooted in village worship and community celebrations. The annual feast showcases the strong connection between local cuisine, folk religion and social gatherings.
8. Tarkulha Devi Temple, Uttar Pradesh
The Tarkulha Devi Temple near Gorakhpur has a long-standing tradition of goat sacrifice during certain religious occasions. The meat associated with the sacrifice is traditionally connected with the temple's prasad practices.
Local traditions also connect the shrine with freedom fighter Bandhu Singh, who is believed to have worshipped the goddess and offered animal sacrifices.
9. Kaal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain
The Kaal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain is particularly famous for its unusual ritual offering of liquor. Devotees purchase liquor as an offering and present it to Kaal Bhairav during worship.
Kaal Bhairav is regarded as a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, and his worship is associated with ritual traditions that differ from conventional temple practices. The offering of alcohol is especially associated with certain Bhairava and Tantric traditions.
10. Mahamaya Temple, Assam
The Mahamaya Temple in Bogribari, Assam, has a long-standing tradition of animal sacrifice during important religious occasions. Goats are among the animals traditionally offered, including during festivals such as Durga Puja.
The temple is an important centre of Shakta worship in the region, with its rituals reflecting longstanding local traditions surrounding Goddess worship.
