spirits, and ritual fights follow an ancient and complex ritual as set out in the sacred lontar manuscripts. Method of sacrifice Methods for sacrificing range from decapitation (Jhatka), strangulation, to a spike being driven into the heart of the animal. The Jhatka method requires the instant killing of the animal in a single decapitating blow with an axe or sword. See also Cattle slaughter in India Criticism of Hinduism Notes References Bibliography Blurton, T. Richard, Hindu Art, 1994, British Museum Press, Ryder, Richard D. Further reading Hindu Animal welfare and rights in India Animals in Hinduism Cruelty to animals Hindu rituals Shaktism