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From: Bharadwaj, Jaganath (jbb0_at_nreca.org)
Date: Thu Nov 13 1997 - 06:27:50 PST
A very eloquent case has been made for filling the posts of priests and purohitas. Not only is there a shortage of priests over here, but also in India itself. This is because of the lure of material education. To fill this gap Sri Ahobila Mutt has had a school in Madurantakam since the 40s that trains people in both Vedic and secular training. People from any tradition, Vadagalai, Tengalai, Smartha or Madhwa are accepted in the school. They are trained in Vedas and all other subjects. The education is FREE and they are given a stipend of Rs 50,000/- upon graduation. They are not required to change their faith e.g. from Smartha to Vaishnava etc, but can continue to follow their "dharma" and perform priestly activities in their communities. The expense of maintaining this school is met completely from VOLUNTARY DONATIONS. This of course is not an answer to the immediate requirements of priests here. However we can do our bit to ensure that our children etc do not face this problem. Anyone wishing to contribute to the maintenance of this school may send a donation to: Sri Ahobila Muth, Inc 1908 Preswood Drive Hixson, TN 37343. adiyen jaganath.