Rajasthan government, Sanskrit Academy come together to train youths as priests

Training programmes will be held on solah sanskars, mantra ucharan, archan poojas, making of pooja samagri, Sanskrit literature and so on.

The Rajasthan government will train youths in Sanskrit learning, and ways of performing rituals and conducting prayers.

A study shows that India has more than 1,08,000 temples.(HT Photo)

The department of skills, employment and entrepreneurship (DSEE) and the Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct programmes to train youths as priests.

“Rajasthan is the second state in the country to provide a holistic purohit (priest) training after Gujarat, which had given yagya training to the youth in the past,” Krishna Kunal, commissioner of the department, said on Saturday.

Training programmes will be held on solah sanskars (16 sacraments from birth to death), mantra ucharan (chanting hymns), archan poojas (in which the name, birth star and family lineage of a devotee are recited to invoke blessings), making of pooja samagri (items), Sanskrit literature, and so on.

A study shows that India has more than 1,08,000 temples, Kunal said. “The initiative is thus an important stride towards bringing the youth closer to the forgotten Sanskrit language, which still holds a significant value in the Indian culture and has job opportunities in India and overseas.”

Kunal said, “Besides providing training in writing and speaking fluent and correct Sanskrit, the youth will be trained in trades related to creating articles and offerings, such as designing vases, vastras for gods, garlands, pooja samagri (material) and equipment that can be used in temples.”

With this training, youths can set up units for producing such items, which will in turn create more jobs and business opportunities, he said.

“The MoU will cover individuals from all sects and religions; women will be given a priority in the course where they can be trained in storytelling, reciting poems and being part of plays at acting schools along with creating articles to be offered to deities,” the commissioner said.

“After completion of the course, trainees will be given certificates that will help them find placements not only in India but also in other countries, which have a demand for Sanskrit-speaking experts and priests.”

The department will empanel religious teachers, experts in rituals and saints to impart training to budding priests, he said.