Date:08/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/08/stories/2009010854441700.htm

International

Prachanda requests Indian priests to continue

Prerana Marasini

KATHMANDU: Facing national and international pressure, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Wednesday requested the Indian priests at the Pashupatinath Temple to resume their duties.

Addressing the Constituent Assembly, Mr. Dahal said: “Until a new head priest and other priests are appointed, I request them [the Indian priests] to conduct the regular rituals at Pashupatinath Temple.”

Along with the head priest, three other priests of the temple had resigned recently and three Nepali priests were appointed in their place. However, the Prime Minister’s decision sparked controversies which led to protests in and outside Nepal. President Ram Baran Yadav, Nepali Congress senior leader and former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, former King Gyanendra Shah and even Indian leaders raised concerns about the new appointments.

The tradition of priests from south India carrying out puja at the Pashupatinath Temple began long before Nepal was united 240 years ago by king Prithvi Narayan Shah.

The Maoist-led government last week broke the tradition and appointed Nepali priests.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood reportedly said the controversial appointment of Nepali priests at Pashupatinath Temple i would not affect the friendly relations of the two countries although “it disappointed some Indians.”