1 / 9India is a land of diverse religious beliefs; its culture is one-of-a-kind, and there are some unique traditions that will not be seen elsewhere. One such tradition is where devotees offer alcohol to deities. Yes, you read that right. Believe it or not but there are seven temples spread across the country where rum, vodka, scotch, whiskies and other spirits are offered to various deities. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 9The practice of offering alcohol to deities is observed in certain temples and is not common in other temples. It is often associated with specific local traditions, folklore, and beliefs within the Hindu faith. Hinduism is a diverse religion and practices vary widely from one region or community to another. Let's take a look at the seven temples where liquor is offered to Gods, some of which are considered avatars of Lord Shiva.
3 / 9No 1. Kal Bhairav Temple | City: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient 6000-year-old temple in Ujjain witnesses devotees offering liquor, known as Madira, as part of tantric rituals. Legend has it that the deity, Kal Bhairav, absorbs the alcohol which is later distributed among the worshipers as sacred prasad.
4 / 9No 2. Kali Mata Temple | City: New Delhi | Devotees flock to the Kali Mata Temple in Delhi's Connaught Place to offer a range of alcoholic beverages, including whiskey and 'desi sharab' (local liquor) to Goddess Kali. Despite the offerings, it is not distributed among worshipers. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 9No 3. Tarapith Temple | City: Birbhum - West Bengal | At this Shaktipeeth in West Bengal, 'Karan Sudha' or alcohol is an essential component of prasad offered to the Goddess, emphasising its significance in Tantra Sadhna. (Image: Tarapith Temple/Facebook)
6 / 9No 4. Patiala Kali Temple | City: Patiala – Punjab | Built in 1936 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, this temple witnesses devotees offering liquor along with other offerings like goat meat, chicken meat, and coconut, especially when their wishes are fulfilled.
7 / 9No 5. Khabees Baba Temple | City: Sitapur – Lucknow | Dedicated to Khabees Baba, a spiritual healer and saint known for his love for whiskies, this temple sees devotees offering alcohol, which is then distributed among dovotees.
8 / 9No 6. Bhanwal Mata | City: Jodhpur – Rajasthan | Dating back to 1380 and built by bandits, this unique temple offers liquor to Maa Bhunwal or Bhanwal (a form of Goddess Durga), while Maa Brahmani is offered sweets. The ritual involves offering 2 and 1/2 cups of wine from a silver goblet.
9 / 9No 7. Baba Bhairon Nath | City: Mumbai | Located in suburban Chembur, this shrine is dedicated to Baba Bhairon Nath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva and attracts devotees during 'Kartik Ekadashi'. Worshippers offer bottles of whisky, rum, vodka, and other spirits at the temple. The offered liquor is then consumed by worshipers as prasad.
