JAMMU: The Pujaris engaged by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, besides carrying out Puja at Holy Cave Shrine are entrusted with imparting religious instructions & information to the pilgrims. In order to upgrade the skill of pujaris & make their Pujan Vidhi updated, the Shrine Board decided to organise a free of cost refresher course for Pujaris.
Accordingly, a two day well designed refresher course for Pujaris commenced today at Kalika Dham, Jammu. Professor Vishva Murti Shastri , Member, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board & well known Sanskrit/Vedic Scholar & Director, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul presided over the refresher course, which is attended by 24 Pujaris.
During the course, Prof Shastri said that “Pujaris are learned religious leaders who know Sanskrit ( the sacred language of Hinduism) and hundreds of mantras, vedic chants & rituals. They are temple priests who are considered to be spiritually pure & blessed. Stressing upon the Pujaris for sharpening of their Pujan skill & to build up their capacity in conducting religious rituals/practices he said that “ Depending on the deity, there shall be specific rituals, mantras & practices that a Pujari needs to master. He impressed upon the Pujaris to be highly specific and professional about the Pujan Vidhi of Lord Shiva. Prof Shastri further emphasized on proper pronunciation of Mantras & Shlokas as mispronunciation leads to adverse results.
While deliberating on various aspect of Puja, Prof. Shastri hoped that the refresher course will reinforce and upgrade participants existing knowledge and religious skills.
Shri Anup Kumar Soni, Additional CEO informed that this refresher course is being organised as a part of Board’s decision. Dy CEOs Sh. Parshottam Kumar & Vikas Verma were also present on the occasion.