Date:03/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/03/stories/2006060301831003.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Temples and traditions

This refers to the article "Temples and traditions" (June 1). The Tamil Nadu Government's decision to appoint qualified persons irrespective of caste as priests in Hindu temples is a classic case of the state meddling with religion. Ayyannar and Mariamman temples have a tradition of appointing non-Brahmin priests. Village temples have pujaris who enjoy hereditary rights and they are mostly non-Brahmins. Tradition may appear skewed today. But if it does not affect the mainstream, it must be preserved.

Siva Sivasubramanian,
Beecroft, Sydney

The DMK Government's decision is based on the false premise that Brahmins outnumber others as priests. There is no direction in the Hindu sastras that Brahmins alone should be appointed priests. It is common knowledge that many village temples are owned by non-Brahmins and the priests performing puja in them are non-Brahmins. Many other groups of priests are not Brahmins either.

B. Ranganathan,
Chennai