The idea that an animal should be killed during a sacrifice is — and was — a misinterpretation of the scriptures by ignorant or cunning Brâhmins.

The 26th chapter of the Uttara Kânda of the Tantric text, Rudra Yâmalam, says

Punyâpunya Pasum Hatvâ Jnâna Khadgena

This means:

the cow of Punya and Apunya should be killed with the sword of knowledge

Punya means all deeds done with the egoistic pride — ‘I have done it’. Apunya means sins done out of ignorance. Both these are done due to lack of the correct knowledge about one’s Self, the relation between God and Soul, and the Life-Centric Laws of the universe. They must be removed with the ‘sword’ of correct knowledge, given by the Sadguru.

Killing of animals goes against the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World Is One Family).

Such ignorant acts are cases of two-legged animals killing four-legged animals!

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