UDAIPUR, INDIA, October 4, 2013 (Times Of India): Devasthan temples in Rajasthan are likely to get women priests/poojaris to conduct the rituals. This comes after the devasthan department has announced recruitment for the posts of manager, poojari and sevagir for its various temples in the state through written tests.
As the department’s announcement did not put any restrictions on female candidates, any woman can be appointed for the posts based on her merit in the written examinations.
The recruitment notice comes after 24 years and it is for the first time that a written exam procedure has been taken up. Aspirants will have to clear a written examination of 100 marks for the appointment. While a managerial post candidate needs to be well versed in Hindi and English, an examinee contesting for the post of poojari require to exhibit his or her intensive knowledge in Hindu mythology especially in hymns and mantra chantings like Durga Saptashati, Vishnu Sahasranamam and Shiva Mahimna Stotras among others.
A poojari is expected to have a good knowledge of the Hindu calendar or Panchang. Apart from a good understanding of Sanskrit language, folk customs and Vedic rituals, candidates appearing for all posts shall have to prove their awareness on current affairs and general science.
One of the conditions listed under the eligibility criteria is that the candidates should not have been a recipient of dowry during their marriage. While the upper age limit for the appointment for male candidates is 35, divorcees or separated female candidates will be free of such limitations.