Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 10
Nārada’s Instructions: Śrāddha, True Dharma, Contentment, Yoga, and Devotion-Centered Renunciation
द्रव्ययज्ञैर्यक्ष्यमाणं दृष्ट्वा भूतानि बिभ्यति । एष माकरुणो हन्यादतज्ज्ञो ह्यसुतृप्ध्रुवम् ॥ १० ॥
dravya-yajñair yakṣyamāṇaṁ dṛṣṭvā bhūtāni bibhyati eṣa mākaruṇo hanyād ataj-jño hy asu-tṛp dhruvam
ദ്രവ്യയാഗം ചെയ്യുന്നവനെ കണ്ടാൽ ബലിപശുക്കൾ അത്യന്തം ഭയപ്പെടുന്നു—“ഇവൻ കരുണയില്ലാത്തവൻ; യാഗത്തിന്റെ ലക്ഷ്യം അറിയാത്തവൻ; പരഹിംസയിൽ തൃപ്തനായവൻ; തീർച്ചയായും നമ്മെ കൊല്ലും” എന്ന്।
Animal sacrifice in the name of religion is current practically all over the world in every established religion. It is said that Lord Jesus Christ, when twelve years old, was shocked to see the Jews sacrificing birds and animals in the synagogues and that he therefore rejected the Jewish system of religion and started the religious system of Christianity, adhering to the Old Testament commandment “Thou shalt not kill.” At the present day, however, not only are animals killed in the name of sacrifice, but the killing of animals has increased enormously because of the increasing number of slaughterhouses. Slaughtering animals, either for religion or for food, is most abominable and is condemned herein. Unless one is merciless, one cannot sacrifice animals, either in the name of religion or for food.
FAQs
This verse warns that sacrifice driven mainly by material ingredients and appetite can become cruel and frightening to other beings, because ignorance and insatiability can lead to violence.
In his instructions on proper dharma, Prahlāda emphasizes compassion and spiritual understanding; when sacrifice is performed without true knowledge and mercy, it degenerates into harm and hypocrisy.
Offer worship and spiritual practice in a way that increases compassion—reduce unnecessary harm to others, avoid ritualism for ego or enjoyment, and cultivate contentment and devotional intent.