Jagannath temple in Gaya takes a step forward

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Jagannath temple in Gaya has a low caste priest

February 14th, 2008 - 6:29 pm ICT by admin - Email This Post
Gaya, Feb 14 (ANI): Jagannath temple in Bihar took a bold initiative
by anointing a low-caste to perform temple rituals, considered a
strict prerogative of the Brahmins.

In a path-breaking reconciliatory gesture, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
(RSS) Chief K.S. Sudarshan graced the ceremony kicking off the
renovation of the temple under the guidance of the new head priest
Deepak Das, a low-caste person.

"We are all children of god. Nobody is a low-caste (dalit). That is
the reason why the word dalit is not mentioned in our Constitution, "
said Sudarshan.

Buddhist monks from the Mahabodhi temple, who attended the ceremony,
said the move would go a long way in the betterment of the Hindu
society.

"It is done as an experiment. I think if it is continued, it will lead
to the betterment of the society," said Pragyadeep, General Secretary
of the All-India Monks Union.
At present, non-Brahmin priests perform rituals in just a few temples
of certain sects.

In 2002, the Supreme Court had ruled that members of the so-called
dalit could also be appointed as priests in temples as long as they
were qualified to conduct the rituals. (ANI)