In a revolutionary step, the Kudroli Gokarnanatheswara temple, promoted by former MP and Congress leader B Janardhana Poojary, appointed two widows as priests.
The temple was established by social reformer Narayana Guru.
Poojary told reporters on Thursday: “The widows have been trained by senior priests for the last four months to perform pooja and other programmes. They will get a salary and will be permanent priests at the Gokarnanatheswara temple.’’
He announced that the widows will start their priesthood formally on Sunday, the second day of Navaratri celebrations at the temple. “The widows will also install the Lord Dattatreya idol at the temple on that day,’’ he added.
“No single holy book has barred women from performing pooja,’’ Poojary contended.
Every rule against man or woman has been made by human beings.
“It is odd to say that a woman should stay away from religious programmes after losing her husband. Even restrictions on women to stay away from religious programmes for three days in a month (during menstruation) is baseless.”
Emphasising that Narayana Guru had preached equality in society, Poojary said his move will be a mark of respect to women.
Refusing to reveal details about the new priests, he said there were many people in queue to become priests.
“But we selected them on priority and based on the demand,” he said.