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BANGALORE, INDIA, May 12, 2002: Hindu temple priests in Karnataka have to now qualify by passing an examination in Agama Shastra, including Sanskrit chanting and performance of rituals. This is according to the new rules drafted by the Muzrai officials under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Trust Act of 1997 which received presidential assent in December. The Muzrai department is in charge of Hindu temple trusts in the state. Muzrai Minister Suma Vasanth told The Times of India that the draft rules have been referred to the law department and the opinion of the association of priests is also being sought. Priests are required to undergo an orientation course in chanting of mantras conducted by any private Veda school and obtain a certificate. “However, those who have crossed 40 years of age are exempted from these rules,” she added. Asked what prompted the department to come out with such a rule now, Vasanth said experts noticed some discrepancies on the part of some priests in a few temples in chanting of mantras.

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