VHP to start special schools to train priests for serving temples in foreign countries

VHP to open special schools in Ayodhya and Faridabad to train priests for temples abroad, focusing on language and culture.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is set to start a special school in Ayodhya where ‘pujaris’ and ‘archaks’ (priests) will be trained especially to work in temples in foreign countries.

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Another special school will also come-up in Faridabad where elementary English and computer will be taught to the priests so that they can engage and gel well with the new generation and make them learn Indian culture and rituals of ‘Sanatan Dharma’.

Confirming about the two special schools, VHP president Alok Kumar told The Hindu that the move came after people from the Hindu community expressed concern over not getting priests in temples in foreign countries who are well-versed in ‘vedas’ and ‘purans’ and can recite verses from Hindu religious texts.

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“This was a matter of concern as Hindus are living in almost every country and the community has also set up temples in their respective regions. Its the duty of a priest to inspire people to follow their religion and for this, the priests have to know the language spoken by the audience. Hence this special school will help us in training priests who can gel up with young devotees and solve their doubts in both spiritual and scientific way,” said Mr Kumar.

“There is a great demand for trained priests in Hindu temples abroad,” Mr Kumar added.