‘Agama training a must for women to become priests’

We will proceed only after discussions with stakeholders, says Sekarbabu

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister P.K. Sekarbabu’s recent remarks on the appointment of women as ‘archaka’ (priest) has triggered a debate on whether it can be implemented in temples that follow the Agamas. The Minister said women who get trained at proper schools in accordance with the Agamas will have to pass a test before being considered for appointment. But the government will proceed only after a thorough discussion with all stakeholders. “We are not going to forcefully make anyone priests,” he has said. (Agamas are treatises pertaining to temple construction, installation of idols and conduct of worship of the principal and other deities).