The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has unveiled ambitious plans to set up a specialized school in Ayodhya dedicated to training pujaris and archaks (priests) for Hindu temples abroad. This initiative comes in response to the difficulties faced by Hindus living outside India in finding knowledgeable priests well-versed in the Vedas and Puranas. The VHP’s move aims to address the growing demand for trained priests in the global Hindu community, ensuring that they are equipped to meet the spiritual needs of Hindus around the world.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad
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Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Initiative to Address Global Priest Demand

Alok Kumar, the President of VHP, highlighted the pressing need for trained priests in Hindu temples globally. Kumar pointed out that Hindus living outside India often struggle to find priests who can recite verses from sacred Hindu texts accurately. “There is a great demand for trained priests in Hindu temples abroad,” Kumar stated. He revealed that the execution of this ambitious plan will commence from Deepawali, with the first batch of students set to begin their training. This initial cohort will consist of 30 students, marking the beginning of a significant effort to address the gap in priest availability.

The new school in Ayodhya will focus on imparting essential skills to priests to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles in international temples. The curriculum will emphasize the recitation of Vedic and Puranic texts, providing priests with a robust foundation in Hindu rituals and scriptures. This specialized training is designed to ensure that priests are able to cater effectively to the spiritual needs of the Hindu diaspora, enhancing their ability to serve in diverse cultural settings.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad
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In addition to the Ayodhya school, the VHP is also planning to establish a second institution in Faridabad. This school will offer a broader curriculum that includes basic English and computer skills, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional priestly roles and the modern world. Kumar emphasized the importance of priests being able to connect with younger generations and effectively promote Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma. “It is 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 accordingly,” Kumar explained.

Commitment to Free Education and Certification

Both the Ayodhya and Faridabad schools will provide their training programs free of charge, including boarding facilities for the students. The initial intake of 30 students will be selected from 'Ved Vidyalayas' run by the VHP and other like-minded organizations. This approach ensures that the students possess a strong foundational knowledge of Hindu scriptures and rituals before undergoing specialized training.

To formalize the education and training provided, the VHP is collaborating with a government-accredited university to offer certification for the priests trained in these schools. This certification will serve to validate their skills and knowledge, enhancing their credibility and acceptance in temples worldwide. By providing official recognition of their training, the VHP aims to bolster the professional standing of these priests and ensure their effective service in the global Hindu community.

The establishment of these specialized schools by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad represents a significant step in meeting the spiritual needs of Hindus across the globe. By offering comprehensive and free training, along with official certification, the VHP is committed to ensuring that Hindu temples abroad are staffed with well-trained and knowledgeable priests. This initiative underscores the VHP’s dedication to preserving and promoting Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma on an international scale. The move reflects the organization’s ongoing efforts to support the Hindu diaspora and foster cultural continuity, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern requirements.

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