PATNA, INDIA, November 10, 2002: Patna’s Mahavira temple, one of the biggest temples in the country, is known for its break with tradition. Not only the traditional Brahmin priests but also Suryavanshi Das, a Dalit (“untouchable”), also performs religious rituals at the temple and has been a priest there for the past nine years. “We believe in equality among human beings. This temple is associated with the Ramanand community which believed and practiced nondiscrimination 700 years back,” says Kishore Kunal, administrator of the Mahavir Mandir Trust. Suryavanshi Das says, “I live here without any fear. There are no restrictions. I come here whenever I feel like. No one questions my work either.” Misconceptions and opposition to a Dalit priest from brahmins and religious leaders has now dissipated. “There was discrimination in the early days. It continued for a year or two but now there’s nothing like that at all,” says Suryavanshi Das. Since Suryavanshi has been accepted as priest, the temple authorities have now decided to increase the number of Dalit priests.
A daily summary of world news for Hindus and non-Hindus alike