Accreditation programme
IN A BID to regulate and address the shortage of trained Sanathan priests, the Shree Sanathan Dharma Sabha of South Africa, with the support of the Shree Luxmi Narayan Temple, has a priest accreditation programme.
A graduation was held for 10 priests at the temple last weekend. According to official Brij Maharaj, the organisation is offering a threeyear Purohit Vidhi course through correspondence.
“Anyone who follows a sattvic lifestyle can apply to become a priest, and there is no discrimination on the basis of gender, race, caste or creed. The only qualification is that those entering the priesthood must be vegetarians of sober habits, and lead a sattvic lifestyle.”
He said the basic minimum requirement to be eligible to undertake the course is a reasonable level of Hindi and the ability to read write in the Devanagari script.
“Examinations, both written and oral, are conducted twice per year in Johannesburg and in Durban simultaneously. This course equips the students to perform poojas according to scripturally prescribed methods. Hence, there will be uniformity of practice and consensus with regard to the different poojas, rituals and rites.”
He said students are trained to refrain from any practice that is considered to be contrary to scriptural injunctions.
“Priests are expected to display exemplary behaviour at all times and to embrace the highest moral, ethical values. This includes displaying a polite and courteous disposition and being sensitive to the requirements of the community.”
Those wishing to do this course should be able to devote at least five hours per week to their studies. For more information, contact 082 726 4229, 031 464 5328 or e-mail: Dhiraj. Gordhan@outlook.com.