Author:
Publication: Thailand News
Date: February 14, 2008
URL: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/jagannath-temple-in-gaya-has-a-low-caste-priest_10017603.html
Jagannath temple in Bihar took a bold initiative
by anointing a low-caste to perform temple rituals, considered a strict prerogative
of the Brahmins.
In a path-breaking reconciliatory gesture,
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief K.S. Sudarshan graced the ceremony
kicking off the renovation of the temple under the guidance of the new head
priest Deepak Das, a low-caste person.
"We are all children of god. Nobody is
a low-caste (dalit). That is the reason why the word dalit is not mentioned
in our Constitution," said Sudarshan.
Buddhist monks from the Mahabodhi temple,
who attended the ceremony, said the move would go a long way in the betterment
of the Hindu society.
"It is done as an experiment. I think
if it is continued, it will lead to the betterment of the society," said
Pragyadeep, General Secretary of the All-India Monks Union.
At present, non-Brahmin priests perform rituals
in just a few temples of certain sects.
In 2002, the Supreme Court had ruled that members of the so-called dalit could
also be appointed as priests in temples as long as they were qualified to
conduct the rituals. (ANI)
