Women trained in Agama Sastra to be allowed as priests: Tamil Nadu minister While neighbouring Kerala too was not known for any such formal government move to allow women priests for gender equality, both Tamil Nadu and Kerala have many temples — especially subcultural deities — with women priests.
The Indian Express
ADVERTISEMENT
HomeIndia
Women trained in Agama Sastra to be allowed as priests: Tamil Nadu minister
While neighbouring Kerala too was not known for any such formal government move to allow women priests for gender equality, both Tamil Nadu and Kerala have many temples — especially subcultural deities — with women priests.
Written By Arun Janardhanan | Chennai |
Updated: June 14, 2021 6:58:23 am
temples, Tamil Nadu, Priest, Sekar Babu, Tamil Nadu temples incharge, temples in Tamil Nadu, Chennai news, Chennai latest news, india news, indian express
Tamil Nadu minister in charge of Hindu temples’ administration Sekar Babu. (Facebook: @PKSekarbabu)
WOMEN TRAINED in ‘Agama Sastra’ – the manual for worship and rituals at temples – can be appointed as temple priests, Tamil Nadu minister in charge of Hindu temples’ administration Sekar Babu said on Sunday, a day after his remarks on opening temple doors to women priests triggered debates in the state.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister told The Indian Express that there was no prior discussions on this at the government level but they would consider it and make all arrangements if women trained in Agama Sastra want to take up the role of temple priests.
ADVERTISEMENT
“When media persons asked me [on Saturday] whether women will be allowed to take up the role of temple priests, I said those who are trained in Agama Sastra will be allowed. If there are requests or grievances from women who would love to take up the role of temple priests, we will definitely consider them. The criteria would be their expertise in Agama tradition. If there are such requests, they may be given necessary training and interviewed before we absorb them,” Babu told The Indian Express.
While neighbouring Kerala too was not known for any such formal government move to allow women priests for gender equality, both Tamil Nadu and Kerala have many temples – especially subcultural deities – with women priests.
