NALGONDA, ANDRA PRADESH, INDIA, January 21, 2009: A total of eleven Agama Patashalas, including one at Gopulaipalli in Nalgonda district, have been set up under the aegis of the Endowments Department to promote temple traditions and rituals in tune with the Agama Shastra, said Endowments Commissioner P. Sundara Kumar. Seven more Agama Patashalas will be established at various places in the State soon. Students will be awarded US$ 2,000 cash incentive on successful completion of the course in Agama Patashalas.
The course, intended to impart a comprehensive training in Agama Shastra to about 10,000 Archakas, has been successfully implemented in seven districts so far. It facilitates on-the-spot assessment and resolution of problems, with a special focus on provision of free sarvadarshan and other amenities to devotees as well as development of temples.