Dalits begin priesthood studies in Tamil Nadu
by Jaikumar

          Chennai: Dalit students in Tamil Nadu have begun priesthood studies. The year-long certificate course began at the Parthasarthy Samy temple in Chennai. The Tamil Nadu Government has opened six 'archaka' (Hindu priest) training centres across the state. Traditionally, priesthood is restricted only to Brahmins. But the State Government, by law, has broken the tradition and allowed students from every caste to take to priesthood. At these new training centres, Dalit students wear the traditional vermilion marks on the foreheads and holy threads. "I belong to the Dalit community. I always wanted to learn the Bhagwad Gita but never got the opportunity to learn. As per the new system put in place by the Tamil Nadu Government, I can learn Hindu religious rituals, "said Anbalazhan, a student from Thiruvallur district. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the State Government runs these centres. "We have currently 31 students attending our classes. We provide them free boarding, lodging and books. It is being provided by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Department, "said Jayaraman, an official of the Parthasarthy Samy Temple . The State Government officials have said the scheme is meant to institutionalise Dalit-inclusion, and make it more widespread. The scheme also provides a monthly stipend of 500 rupees to all students. The Supreme Court had ruled in 2002 that 'Dalits' could be appointed as priests in temples as long as they were qualified to conduct the rituals. Several political parties in Tamil Nadu, including the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) are products of mass anti-Brahmin movements in the early 1900s.
May 25, 2007

Ramayana: Non-stop recital for 35 years

           Indore: Verses from the Hindu mythological epic Ramayana are being recited continuously for 35 years in a unique temple in the jungles of Bihad, 185 km from Indore. According to the temple priest, this 'Akhand Path' (recitation of scriptures without a break) has been undertaken in the strong belief that Lord Hanuman himself resides in the temple and his blessings have lessened the worries of devotees. Despite its location in the heart of a forest, no untoward incident has ever been reported at this temple, be it from any intruder or by wild animals. The priest and other devotees mention this particular aspect about the temple where the verses of Ramayana resonate round the clock. Interestingly, the temple has no village in the near vicinity and the only occupants of the temple premises are the family of the priest and eight devotees who do the recitation. These members make sure that the prayers are recited continuously and to do this, they have even charted out a 'recitation roster'. The ones assigned for the night sit in the temple and read the Ramayana without yawning or blinking. The isolated location of the temple has never been prevented devotees from coming. Many of them come from Rajasthan too and often stay back to recite the Ramayana. "We have people from every hook and corner including those from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. We pay them 50 rupees as their monthly salary. Besides that, we provide them with food and shelter. People from every place come here to visit the temple and experience the divine miracles of Lord Hanuman," said Shastri Subhashji, the priest. Another major and prominent event at this temple is the fair held every year on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated on April 2. Devotees wholeheartedly took active part in all the festivities. "We celebrate a lot of festivals together. There is no difference between anyone. Everyone is united and celebrates with lot of zeal and enthusiasm," said Girdhari Kumar, a devotee from Vidisha. The temple according to the priest is as old as that of Treta Yuga of Hindu mythology, probably some 100,000 years old. To a question as to how far this 'Akhand Path' of Ramayana will continue. Priest Shastri Subhash categorically says the process will continue as long as Lord Hanuman wishes.
May 13, 2007

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