
United Archakas of Jogulamba Gadwal Convene to Address Pending Salaries and Plan for Statewide Yagam in Hyderabad
Archakas from Gattu, Maldakal, Gadwal, Rajoli, Manavapadu, and several other mandals actively participated in the discussion. The primary agenda was to address the long-standing issue of non-payment of four months' salaries to Archakas. The participants collectively voiced their concerns and sought a prompt resolution from the authorities.
During the meeting, the upcoming state-level Yagam scheduled to be held on July 14th, 15th, and 16th in Hyderabad was discussed in detail. This religious event will be organized under the leadership of State President Vasudeva Sharma. In accordance with his instructions, a preparatory meeting of the Archaka Samakhya was held at the Maldakal Thimmappa Swamy Temple under the supervision of district president Chakravarthi.
Chakravarthi Acharya earnestly appealed to all temple priests across Jogulamba Gadwal district to attend and extend their support to the statewide Yagam in Hyderabad. He emphasized that the united participation of all Archakas would showcase their solidarity and spiritual strength.
In recognition of his services and leadership, the district Archakas felicitated Sri Chakravarthi Acharya upon his nomination as a DDNS (Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam Scheme) Select Committee Member. Archakas from various mandals came together to honor him and convey their best wishes.
The event witnessed the participation of several prominent figures including Maldakal Mandal President Sri Baburao, Sri Shravan, Archakas from Gattu and Maldakal, as well as presidents and representatives of various mandals' Archaka associations.
The meeting highlighted the importance of unity among temple priests and underscored the need to ensure timely disbursement of their rightful dues, while also preparing for larger religious responsibilities at the state level.
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Nearly 55 years ago, on December 2, 1970, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a historic amendment to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Act, 1959, formally abolishing the hereditary priesthood system and opening the doors for qualified individuals from all castes to become temple priests. However, the intent of this reform was not fully realised due to the absence of a clear framework and persistent legal challenges. Although the amended provisions came into effect the following year, no enabling mechanism was put in place to ensure the appointment of trained Archakas (temple priests). The matter continued to face judicial scrutiny until the Supreme Court, in its 2002 ruling in the N. Adithayan vs Travancore Devaswom Board case, held that caste-based restrictions on the appointment of Archakas were unconstitutional, emphasising that only qualification and training should determine eligibility. On May 23, 2006, soon after the M. 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The committee also reviewed the legal provisions governing Archaka appointments. It noted that while the HR&CE Act, 1959, does not lay down specific qualifications for the post, Rule 12 of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious Institutions (Officers and Servants) Service Rules provides guidance for such appointments. The committee also referred to a series of Supreme Court judgments, including the Seshammal case (1972), Narayana Dikshitalu case (1996), and Adithayan case (2002), that affirmed the primacy of Agamic rules in temples constructed or maintained according to Agamic traditions. The committee extensively examined various Agamas and observed in its review that nowhere in the Agamas, it is stated that only persons of a particular caste can perform pujas. There is no authority supporting caste-based restrictions on who can serve as Archakas in Saivite, Vaishnavite, or Amman temples. Pointing out that a particular caste or descendants of a particular caste had been performing pujas in the past, it cannot be said that they alone have the right to perform pujas, the committee observed, adding the essential qualification for an Archaka is knowledge of Agama practices specific to the temple, the correct method of performing rituals (including daily and special poojas), and mastery of the required mantras. Eligibility criteria Proficiency in temple procedures, from opening to closing, is considered the core eligibility criterion. However, the committee observed that denominational alignment remains necessary. It said only Saivites should serve in Saivite temples and Vaishnavites in Vaishnavite temples. The committee laid down elaborate eligibility criteria for Hindus from all castes to be appointed as Archakas. It suggested that candidates seeking admission to Archaka training centres should be between 14 and 24 years of age and have completed Class VIII to serve in HR&CE managed temples. A separate training institute was proposed for individuals above 24 years to facilitate them in undergoing training to serve in temples outside the HR&CE control. They should have completed Class V. The committee recommended establishing Saivite training centres in Chennai, Madurai, Palani, Tiruchendur, Kumbakonam, Thiruvannamalai, and Perur. Vaishnavite centres were proposed for Chennai, Srirangam, Kancheepuram, Alagarkoil (Madurai), and Srivilliputhur. A special centre for trainees above 24 years of age was suggested at Tiruchirapalli. A one-year training course would qualify candidates to serve as basic Archakas in small temples or assistants in larger temples. A more advanced three-year course would be required to perform elaborate rituals and special pujas. 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Training modules would be tailored for one-year, three-year, and refresher courses with a focus on practical ritual performance. Examinations will be conducted annually by the Commissioner for one-year, three-year, and refresher courses, with separate patterns for Saivite and Vaishnavite sections. Certificates and degrees issued will qualify candidates for appointment as Archakas in HR&CE-managed temples, including those from recognised private institutions. Existing Archakas without formal certification need only complete the refresher course to continue service, the committee said. It also insisted that admissions must follow the communal reservation policy of the Tamil Nadu government. To support trainees aged below 24 years, the committee recommended a monthly stipend of ₹500, along with food, uniforms, and accommodation, free of cost. 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