Madurai, Jan. 29 -- A petition has been filed seeking a ban on animal sacrifices, including goats and chickens, at the Sikandar Badusha Dargah in Thiruparankundram, Madurai. The petition, filed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by Kannan, a resident of Madurai, was submitted before the Madurai Bench of the High Court.

In the petition, Kannan emphasized that the Thiruparankundram Temple is an ancient and well-known temple built during the Pandya dynasty. The temple's southern side houses the Umayandar Cave Temple and 11 sacred theerthams (holy ponds). He argued that animal sacrifices should not be allowed within the temple area and that cooking and serving meat in the vicinity should also be prohibited.

Kannan further pointed out tha...