The Church of South India made history recently by electing its first woman bishop. Now, devasthan temples in Rajasthan may follow suit as they are likely to get women priests/ poojaris to conduct the rituals. This comes after the devasthan department has announced recruitment for the posts of manager, poojari and sevagir for its various temples in the state through written tests.
As the department’s announcement did not put any restrictions on female candidates, any woman can be appointed for the posts based on her merit in the written examinations.
The recruitment notice comes after 24 years and it is for the first time that a written exam procedure has been taken up. Aspirants will have to clear a written examination of 100 marks for the appointment. While a managerial post candidate needs to be well versed in Hindi and English, an examinee contesting for the post of poojari require to exhibit his or her intensive knowledge in Hindu mythology specially in hymns and mantra chantings like Durga Saptashati, Vishnu Sahasranamam and Shiva Mahimna Stotras among others.
A poojari is also expected to the 12 Jyotirlingas along with their locations and to have a good knowledge of the Hindu calendar or Panchang. Apart from a good understanding of Sanskrit language, folk customs and Vedic rituals, candidates appearing for all posts shall have to prove their awareness on current affairs and general science. The question paper will have multiple choice questions and for every wrong answer 1/3 mark assigned to a particular question will be negatively valuated.
The devasthan department has announced recruitments for 65 positions of manager, priests and assistants for temples across the state. The last such appointment was in 1989 when priests and sevagirs were recruited by the department. As per the latest announcement, there are openings for seven posts of grade two managers, 47 priests and 11 assistants or sevagirs. While the educational criteria for managerial post is a Sanskrit graduate, poojari are required to have the 12th grade cleared with Sanskrit as a subject.
One of the conditions listed under the eligibility criteria is that the candidates should not have been a recipient of dowry during their marriage. While the upper age limit for the appointment for male candidates is 35, divorcees or separated female candidates will be free of such limitations. The department has elaborated the exam curriculum in its website. The last date to submit the forms October 16 and the examination will be held on October 27.
src: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Temples-in-Rajasthan-may-get-woman-priests/articleshow/23477422.cms