Madhya Pradesh: Muslim man embraces Sanatan Dharma after being traumatised by animal slaughter on Bakrid celebrations

Bilal embraced Sanatan Dharma and became Vishal (Image via X)

A Muslim man from Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district has embraced Sanatan Dharma, saying that he was deeply disturbed by the practice of animal sacrifice during Bakrid and had been struggling with those feelings since childhood.

The ritualistic ceremony took place on Saturday, 30th May, at the famous Mahadevgarh temple, where Bilal, a resident of Khirkia and a bus operator by profession, adopted the Hindu name, Vishal.

Grand ceremony held at the Mahadevgarh temple

The event was organised at the Mahadevgarh temple in the presence of temple authorities, Sanatan Dharma activists and local devotees. During the ceremony, Bilal formally entered the Hindu faith through traditional rituals and religious practices. His head was also shaved inside the temple premises as part of the process.

According to temple operator Ashok Paliwal, the young man expressed his desire to accept Sanatan Dharma on his own and said that the decision was entirely voluntary.

Childhood experiences influenced his decision

Speaking about his decision, Vishal said he had been troubled for years by the slaughter of animals during Bakrid celebrations. He explained that witnessing such practices from a young age left a deep impact on him and gradually created a sense of detachment from Islam.

He said that the recent Bakrid celebrations strengthened those feelings. Seeing animal sacrifices once again left him heartbroken and pushed him to think seriously about changing his faith.

Purushottam’s month inspired a new path

Vishal said he had heard about the significance of the Mahadevgarh temple for a long time. Around the same period, he also learned about the religious importance of the ongoing Purushottam month in Hindu tradition. After hearing that the month is considered especially sacred and devoted to God, he decided to adopt Sanatan Dharma and begin a new chapter in his life.

Rituals performed for purification and homecoming

The grand and ritualistic ceremony included several traditional rituals. As part of the “10 Vidhi Snan” purification process, Vishal was bathed with Ganga water, cow milk, Panchamrit, cow urine, cow dung, Tulsi pollen, fruits, metals, Panchagavya and Kosha. Priests chanted Vedic mantras throughout the ceremony as the rituals were completed according to Sanatan traditions.

Temple authorities described the event as a “ghar wapsi” ceremony and said all religious procedures were performed traditionally.

Temple echoes with religious chants

After the rituals were completed, a grand Maha Aarti of Lord Mahadev was performed. The temple complex echoed with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” as hundreds of devotees gathered to witness the occasion.

At the conclusion of the programme, the temple management presented Vishal with a copy of the Ramayana. The sacred text was given to help him understand the teachings and traditions of Sanatan Dharma. Vishal said he has now decided to follow the Hindu way of life and continue on the path he has chosen.

Written by OpIndia Staff
Last modified at