Dogs are “divine” in a Punjab village in India.
Temple priest feeding dogs before people
It is not uncommon that pet dogs are treated as family members by many people. Leaving a fortune in the name of dogs as close relation, by wealthy deceased in European countries, is also known to us. But giving respect to dogs next to Gods is a bizarre event, but that’s what happening as an everyday affair in a village by name Kanpur, near Patiala in Punjab State.
Patiala was ruled by monarchs, ancestors to the former Chief Minister of Punjab, Amrinder Singh. The dynasty rule was in power from 1695 to 1765, when the Royal family staunchly believed that dogs have extraordinary spiritual powers. They worshipped dogs ardently, respecting the species as divine forces.
Following the footsteps of the Kings and Princes of Patiala hereditarily, people in Kanpur and the surrounding villages revered dogs in the vicinity and worshipped them piously for the last 300 years. This habit continues even today.
There is a Hindu temple at Kanpur, where this occurs as a routine. As soon as Pooja for the deity of the temple is over, the priest comes out near the compound and barks like a dog. Taking this signal, a lot of dogs surround the temple. These dogs are fed with the “Prasad” (food offerings to the deity) thrice daily. Only then the waiting poor people are fed with the food at the temple.
This way dogs are getting VIP treatment by the village people and even if dogs bite them, they would not complain or hurt the dogs in any manner. While oldies observe such reverence for the dogs, youngsters murmur about this odd practice as foolishness.
After all the English word “Dog” is only a reversal of “God” is it not?
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