Committee proposes formal training for temple priests, task force to manage crowd | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: To professionalise temple operations and enhance spiritual experiences of devotees, the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission (KARC) has recommended a comprehensive training programme for temple priests and a dedicated task force to manage crowds during festivals.The committee, chaired by senior Congress functionary and former minister RV Deshpande, submitted a report to the govt last week. Among key suggestions is the launch of a structured training initiative under the muzrai department to ensure priests are “well equipped” and possess “necessary knowledge and skills” to conduct routine temple activities.Karnataka is home to 34,563 temples under the muzrai department — 205 Grade A, 193 Grade B, and 34,165 Grade C temples. These categories are based on revenue generation and footfall.Highlighting a critical gap in the current system, the report said: “Traditionally, archakas (temple priests) are appointed on a hereditary and non-hereditary basis. However, there is currently no formal system to train newly appointed priests, especially in reciting mantras and shlokas, which form the core of ritualistic practices.”To address this, the commission has proposed a five-point training programme focusing on a refresher course, mantra and shloka mastery, practical training, scholarly guidance, and holistic development. The panel says the refresher course should be conducted by experienced scholars and religious experts. It further suggested hiring priests as apprentices to provide them with hands-on training in performing various types of pujas and ceremonies, including special rituals required during festivals and auspicious occasions. While acknowledging the traditional system of oral transmission within families, the commission highlighted the importance of formal education. “This would ensure that priests not only learn the correct pronunciation but also understand the meaning of the sacred chants,” the report said.Beyond ritual proficiency, the report called for soft skills training to help priests better engage with devotees. “Soft skills would include communication techniques, conflict resolution, and ethical behaviour in temple settings. This would help foster a more inclusive and approachable atmosphere,” the report stated.KARC also proposed the formation of a temple task force to ensure smooth and secure conduct of festivals, jatras, and other events that draw large crowds. This team would be responsible for crowd control, queue management, and overall safety of devotees, especially during day-and-night festivities.As envisioned in the report, the task force should include security guards, volunteers, medical personnel, and a technical support team to monitor CCTV footage and maintain vigil during high-traffic periods.
