KALPETTA(Kerala): Breaking centuries-old caste barriers, 22 children from
different communities, including scheduled tribes, have been trained as temple
priests by a Hindu outfit here.

The first batch of candidates who completed the 18 month-long training were
conferred "pujadhikara mudra"—the authority to perform pujas and
rituals in temples—at a ceremony held at the Bhadrakali temple at Pongini on
Tuesday.

Seven of the children come from tribal families. The first batch included a few
brahmin boys and candidates from other castes, organisers said.

The programme, initiated by the Kerala Kshetra Samrakshana Samity (KSS), was
launched one-and-a-half years ago with the help of leading Vedic scholars and
Hindu religious educational bodies of the state. The shortage of trained priests
in temples in the northern districts made the organisers embark on such a
project.

The candidates, aged between eight and 18 years, were chosen from Kozhikode and
Wayanad districts and the course was structured such that it would not disturb
their secular education.

The course began with the children being initiated into 'brahminhood'
through the 'upanayanam ritual' under eminent Vedic scholar Perumbadappu
Hrishikesan Namboodiripad.

They were taught Sanskrit, mantras and how to perform pujas and rituals. They
were given practical training in temples managed by the KSS under the tutelage
of experienced priests.

Source : TOI

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