Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 13
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Varṇāśrama’s Purpose, Ritualism’s Fall, and Yuga-Avatāras with Kali-yuga Saṅkīrtana
यद् घ्राणभक्षो विहित: सुराया- स्तथा पशोरालभनं न हिंसा । एवं व्यवाय: प्रजया न रत्या इमं विशुद्धं न विदु: स्वधर्मम् ॥ १३ ॥
yad ghrāṇa-bhakṣo vihitaḥ surāyās tathā paśor ālabhanaṁ na hiṁsā evaṁ vyavāyaḥ prajayā na ratyā imaṁ viśuddhaṁ na viduḥ sva-dharmam
According to the Vedic injunctions, when wine is offered in sacrificial ceremonies it is later to be consumed by smelling, and not by drinking. Similarly, the sacrificial offering of animals is permitted, but there is no provision for wide-scale animal slaughter. Religious sex life is also permitted, but only in marriage for begetting children, and not for sensuous exploitation of the body. Unfortunately, however, the less intelligent materialists cannot understand that their duties in life should be performed purely on the spiritual platform.
Madhvācārya has given the following statement in regard to animal sacrifice:
FAQs
This verse states that sexual union (vyavāya) is meant to be regulated for producing children (prajā), not pursued merely for sensual enjoyment (rati).
It uses them as examples of regulated concessions: liquor is restricted for the addicted, and sacrificial animal offering is framed as ritual regulation rather than ordinary violence—illustrating that dharma purifies by control, not indulgence.
Adopt conscious regulation: avoid intoxication, reject cruelty, and treat sexuality responsibly—guided by duty, self-control, and spiritual purpose rather than impulse.