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Showing posts from July 10, 2007


Dalit Priests in Hindu Temples in Bihar

The appointment of a dalit priest in a Hindu Temple in Bihar is celebrated with much fanfare in the Indian media. But on the ground the oppression of the dalits continues unabated. The process of the appointment of the Dalits as priests is a move in the right direction. But the number of dalit priests should be increased. And for the process to be effective, the Dalit priests should be appointed along with Brahmin priests. The Brahmin priests and dalit priests should do the puja together and this will send out a clear signal to the devotees. Not only Dalits but all Hindus should be allowed to perform pujas. Tamil Nadu has set an example by starting courses for all Hindus for doing pujas in Hindu temples . Also the activity of the Dalit priests should not be confined within the temple walls. People should invite them to homes to conduct pujas. Finally, there should be only Pujari (priest) not Brahmin Pujari and Dalit Pujari. In the 20th century, the social revolt against B