HYDERABAD: In an effort to promote temple tourism and provide information about the history of major temples to pilgrims, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to appoint trained guides at all the major temples in the State. According to senior officials of the endowments department, initially, guides would be appointed at prominent temples such as Srisailam, Simhachalam, Annavaram, Dwaraka Tirumala, Kanaka Durga, Srikalahasthi and Kanipakam. “The government has plans to appoint temple guides for these temples by October 2,” said the officials.
Stating that AP has a number of reputed temples, Peethams and Mutts that are working to preserve Vedic Culture and Hindu Dharma, a senior official told Express, “Every temple has its own historical importance and spiritual significance. Hence, it is necessary that devotees are provided correct information of the region, destination, environment and nearby places of religious importance. So, we have decided to appoint trained guides for every major temple.”
According to officials, temple guides would be taken on contract for a period of three years. They would not be part of temple staff and their services can be terminated if they are found to be indisciplined.
“Persons interested in the job should possess a degree in humanities or tourism or hospitality or history & archaeology or other areas as a regular student in a college or university,” the official informed. Successful candidates would be given training in the State Institute of Temple Administration (SITA). They would also be given training in communication and time-management skills.
Besides, the temple guide would also be trained in areas relating to ecology, geology, bio-diversity, history and mythology of the location of the temples. The government will give preference to candidates who have a decent command of Telugu, English and Hindi languages, he added.