For the first time in a century, the Pandharpur temple trust on Friday allowed two women and two non-Brahmin priests to perform pooja at the most visited temple in Maharashtra. While Kedar Namdas performed the religious rituals on Lord Viththal idol, Urmila Bhate, a Pandharpur resident did the same on goddess Rukmini idol early in the morning.

The temple trust has appointed five Brahmins and an equal number of non-Brahmin priests to carry out daily rituals at the temple. Each priest will get an equal opportunity to perform the rituals.

Bhate, thrilled after the pooja, said, “The temple trust has taken a correct decision. Mere words are not enough to express my joy. It is one of the happiest moments in my life. It is an honour to the entire women fraternity.”

A non-Brahmin priest, who did not wish to be named, said that he would carry out the rituals at par with his Brahmin colleagues.  “It is a historical moment. This is the same temple where Dalits were banned centuries ago. This development will encourage many non-Brahmins to come forward,” he said...............click for more

Source: The New Indian Express

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