Tamil Nadu is home to a wealth of shrines and memorials dedicated to bulls, a testament to the deep reverence and respect the people here hold for these magnificent creatures. By investing in these structures, we not only uphold a cherished tradition but also demonstrate our appreciation for the vital role that bulls play in the lives and livelihoods of farming communities. As an integral part of agriculture, bulls ensure the quality of cattle breeds and produce healthy offspring that sustain families and communities. By building and maintaining memorials to these incredible beasts, we celebrate their legacy and honour their place in the hearts and homes of the region.

 

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Bulls are more than mere agro-pastoral animals. Any mistreatment or disrespect towards them is taken personally by the house and its owner. The sport of Jallikattu, Rekhla and similar celebrates the essence of the bull and its bond with the Tamil people. The ban on this sport in 2017 caused a huge uproar across the state. To truly understand the impact of legal decisions that seek to overturn centuries-old ways of life, it is crucial to closely observe and comprehend the traditional bonding between bulls and their caregivers. The veneration of bulls and the expression of appreciation towards a bull's soul, being, and life can be characterized as a form of folk worship in the regional landscape.

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The architecture of these structures is pretty simple, functional, and straightforward. Lamps are lit, and food offerings are made, just like any other venerated being's burial mound. These bull memorials hold a special place in the village landscape, and they are accorded a demi-god status. Common bulls or village bulls might have memorials dedicated to them in a public place, usually beside bus stands or in other common gathering locations. Different villages, even the ones within proximity, have various versions of built structures and votive customs.