Sanskrit and Tamil to be used when conducting poojas

SEVERAL organisations representing local Hindu priests and Tamil language activists have agreed to use Tamil along with Sanskrit in conducting poojas (prayers) in temples, Malaysia Nanban reported.

The Malaysia Hindu Achagar Sangam and the Malaysian Hindu Gurukkal Sangam, which represent local priests, met with several Tamil NGOs at the Sg Besi Thirukkayilai Nathar Temple in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the matter.

Tamil activists have long demanded that Tamil be used during the ceremonies and poojas conducted in Hindu temples as the majority of Malaysian Hindus spoke Tamil. Currently Sanskrit is typically used.

Malaysia Hindu Archagar Sangam president Siva Sri R. Nithiyanantha Gurukkal who spoke at the meeting said local priests have always been supportive of efforts to use Tamil in ceremonies.

Gurukkal Sangam president Ganesan Gurukkal said the association also supported the effort.

> The selfproclaimed Indian spiritual leader Golden Baba has begun his 25th Kanwar Yatra (an annual pilgrimage of devotees of Siva) adorned with a massive 20kg of gold jewellery, Malaysia Nanban reported.

The former businessman, whose real name is Sudhir Makkar, is also known as the Golden Puri Maharaj.

He allegedly has a criminal record and took on the holy persona to escape police attention.