Author: Times News Network
Publication: The Times of India
Date: May 12, 2002
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow.asp?art_id=9695932
Muzrai temple priests in Karnataka
have to now qualify by passing an examination in aagama shastra (chanting
of mantras and pooja rituals). This is according to the new rules drafted
by the Muzrai officials under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Trust
Act of 1997 which received presidential assent in December.
Muzrai Minister Suma Vasanth told
The Times of India that the draft rules have been referred to the law department
and the opinion of the association of archakas (priests) is also being
sought.
Priests are required to undergo
an orientation course in pravara (chanting of mantras) conducted by any
private Veda pathashala and obtain a certificate. ``However, those who
have crossed 40 years of age are exempted from these rules,'' she added.
Asked what prompted the department
to come out with such a rule now, Vasanth said aagama praveenas in Muzrai
department noticed some discrepancies on the part of some priests in a
few temples in chanting of mantras. ``An ordinary person who comes to the
temple may not be aware of the nuances of the mantras. It is not fair to
take them for granted,'' Vasanth explained.
Muzrai department has three aagama
praveenas each in Shaivagama, Pancharatra and Vykhana type of pooja rituals.
They are selected by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).
Akhila Bharata Hindu Temples Archaka,
Aagamika and Upadivantara Federation general secretary K.S.N. Dikshit has
welcomed the move.
