From havan to shraddh: PU's new course explores rituals beyond textbooks

Time of India

2 days ago

Chandigarh: This year, Panjab University is opening its doors to a new programme — a one-year diploma course in Karamkand evam Paurohitya, which means the study and practice of Vedic rituals and priesthood.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The course, approved recently by the academic council, will be offered at the university's Vishveshvaranand Vishwa Bandhu Institute of Sanskrit and Indological Studies in Hoshiarpur, with 20 seats in the first batch.
From conducting yajnas and havans to understanding the deeper meaning of rituals like shraddh, upanayan, and deity-specific worship, the course offers a structured route into traditions often learned informally within families or religious institutions.
"This course is not just for those pursuing priesthood. It's for anyone curious about the cultural, philosophical, and practical aspects of these rituals," said Prof Ritu Bala, director of the Hoshiarpur institute. "We want to make this knowledge accessible to those who may not have the time or background to do a full Shastri degree."
Shastri, or a bachelor's degree in Sanskrit, is often the traditional academic path for those wanting to become Hindu religious teachers or priests.
But officials say the diploma will offer an alternative — especially useful for those considering roles like dharam guru (religious teacher) in the Indian Army or other institutional settings, including where Vedic knowledge is a requirement.
According to Army recruitment guidelines available, a candidate applying for the Religious Teacher post can qualify either through a Shastri/Acharya degree with Karamkand or a one-year diploma in Karamkand.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
University officials say this course has been designed keeping such opportunities in mind.
Students can choose to study online or in person, with offline learners taking written exams and internal assessments, and online participants submitting assignments or projects in place of classroom evaluations.
More than just learning how to perform rituals, the course, say faculty members, also aims to clear misconceptions and bring clarity about practices often viewed as outdated or misunderstood.
The diploma is divided into two semesters and covers four papers. In the first semester, students will learn Yagyavidhi evam Mantrachayan — the procedures of Vedic rituals and how to select and recite mantras — and Sanskar Vidhi, covering life-cycle ceremonies like birth, marriage, and initiation.
The second semester moves into more specialised rituals, including Shraddh evam Tarpan Vidhi — ancestral rites, offerings, and pind daan — and Pooja evam Vrat Vidhi, focused on deity worship, fasts, and festival-related practices.