Believe Bannerghatta officials, who performed a special abhisheka at the Male Mahadeswara temple, and even fed theertha to the animals

Shiva will save ailing tigers

Believe Bannerghatta officials, who performed a special abhisheka at the Male Mahadeswara temple, and even fed theertha to the animals

Strange, but true. Officials at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) have sought divine intervention to protect the tigers that are ailing from a bacterial infection -- and have even fed the animals with theertha (holy water) from the Male Mahadeswara temple.

The officials are understood to have visited the hill temple in Chamarajanagar district, after BBP witnessed serial deaths of wild animals including two lions and tigers each, earlier this month, to perform a special puja.u00a0
The main concern was an infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella and more than eight tigers in the safari were suffering from diarrhea. Someone had suggested a special pooja at the Mahadeswara temple, as the condition of the animals was critical, and doctors were struggling even with the media glare on them.

"Something had to be done to protect the animals. I thought there was no harm in using other methods than a medical treatment," said Millo Tago, executive director, BBP. "I am happy that the animals are recovering."

Male Mahedeswara temple was chosen because the tiger is believed to be the deity's vehicle, according to mythological folklore. It is believed that the incarnation of lord Shiva has an objective to protect wildlife as a part of his beloved creation. Interestingly, forest brigand Verrappan, who was a menace before he was killed by police in 2004, was an ardent devotee of the deity.

"We performed a special abhisheka (holy bath to the deity) and gave theertha to the officials. I am sure it will have a positive effect on the ailing animals," said one of the priests in the temple.

The officials are said to have fed the theertha to the animals, while they sprinkled the holy water in the premises to ward off the 'evil' dogging the place.

According to Tago, the animals seem to be normal now, save for two tigresses. Minchu is suffering from kidney
ailment and Kalpana Chawla is still struggling with the infection.

As if a special worship at Male Mahadeswara temple was not enough, the officials have also performed vanasri homa at Champakadhama Swamy temple in Bannerghatta, with the involvement of the local villagers.

"Champakadhama Swamy is regarded as the protective deity of the Bannerghatta forest and we performed the homa in the interest of the forest and the animals," said a villager, who took part in the ritual. He said they would perform a second leg of homa on Thursday.

"It is ridiculous that the officials are indulging in superstitious rituals, while they have failed to check corruption that is main cause of the serial deaths of the animals," said N Manjunath, president, Nature and Wildlife Conservation Committee.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels