Rahu, Earth @ Srawishta

Human sacrifice is typically intended, to bring good fortune, to pacify gods or an authoritative priestly figure. As in the context of dedication of a completed building, like a temple or a bridge. 

Baana-bhatta of 7th century describes a series of human sacrifices in the dedication of a temple to Chandika.

Haribhadra in the 9th century describes a series of sacrifices, in dedication of a temple to Chandika, in Orissa.  

Kuknur in Karnataka has a Kali temple of 8th century, with a history of human sacrifices. 

Nara-bali,   man-sacrifice,    Wikipedia