Protest after Nepal appoints its own temple priests

by Sanjay Jha | January 4, 2009 at 11:30 pm

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Tension is brewing after Maoist government's decision of ending the centuries-old monopoly of South Indian Brahmins by appointing local priests in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu's Pashupatinath Temple, one of the eight holiest Hindu shrines.

This is a break from nearly 300-year-old tradition which allowed brahmins from India to perform the worship at the famous Pashupatinath by appointing Nepali Bhatta Brahmins, including chief priest Bishnu Prasad Dahal.

The Pashupati Area Development Trust has (PADT) accepted the resignation of chief priest Mahabaleshwor Bhatta, priests Krishna Yoga Bhatta and K.P. Ramachandra Bhatta. It appointed Dahal as the new head priest and priest Shaligram Bhatta of Pashupatinath in their place, according to officials.

Priests at Nepal's most revered Hindu temple said Sunday the government's decision to appoint two head priests was political interference in religion and they vowed to protest.

The Supreme Court has issued a stay order over the new appointments and directed the authorities concerned to let the old priests to carry on their duties. The locals and Rajbhandaris resorted to the protest after the government appointed two Nepali priests by accepting the resignation of the Indian Bhatta Brahmins. Bhatta brahmins, who hail from South India have been officiated at the temple as the priests since the 18th century. Though the SC order has barred the new priests from performing the daily holy rituals, the ruling has not been implemented. On Thursday, Pashupati Area Development Trust—following the order from Culture Minister Gopal Kiranti—broke the lock placed by the protesting Bhandaris at the southern gate of the temple and , escorted the new priests to the temple under the police security and the Young Communist League support.

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Paschen

at 00:52 on January 5th, 2009

Religion and Politics do never mix to well and are best left separate and independent from one another.

mselam

at 12:41 on January 5th, 2009

Nepal, Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath is regarded as the most sacred temple of Shiva dated back to 5th and 6th century and is located on a river side of one of the Ganj Rivers main stream Bagmati. It is the most known place for where people are cremated.

It is believed that to die and to be cremated here will release one from the cycle of repeated birth and death.

Photo by Murat Selam (Flickr mselam)

mselam has contributed a photo to this story.

azzayindia

at 08:09 on January 6th, 2009

well Nepalese priest should also get the piece of pie at PASUPATI NATH after all it ids their country.I am firm believer that the priests in North Indian churches should be run by North Indians and not South Indians