“…In modern practice, it is usually birds and turtles that are released (Shiu & Stokes, 2008). In Indian mythology, turtles are revered as kurma, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu (Shiu & Stokes, 2008;Panigrahy et al, 2002), and are a symbol of stability (Miller, 1974). A traditional belief held by many people is that releasing animals such as turtles in a temple pond and feeding them (mostly with biscuits, and bread crumbs) (Fig.…”