Sacrificed to an Idol.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 265, 18 November 1901, Page 3

Sacrificed to an Idol.

A FATHER’S CRIME

Simfa, Sept. 19. A Hindu named Kuruba Ramanagowd was sentenced to death last week in the Sessions Court, Bellary, for sacrificing his own son to an idol. Hie man admitted the offence, saying that lie believed the god would resuscitate the boy and give him wealth. He said that he had been in the habit of worshipping in the Temple of Ivona Trappa, and one day the god appeared to him in the form of Jangama, and said to him : “ There is wealth under me. To whom should it be given but to you ? Give mo your son's head. You know that a head should be given to a god who confers a boon. I shall raise up your son and give you the wealth which is under me." The man answered: 1 I have only one son. How can I give him ?” The god said : “ A son will be born. Do not fear me. I shall revive the son and give you wealth.” Sure enough, a year later, another son was horn to the man, and this strengthened his belief. He brought the child to the temple, and killed it with a knife in front of the idol. Having killed the child, the man began to worship: but, before he had finished, the police ca me and arrested him, and he told the Cou rt that this interruption was the reason wh y the god did not revive the child, and giv e him wealth. The medical testimony* is that the man is not insane.