Mysore/Mysuru: Shivarchakas (Priests) have urged the Government to give them more opportunities to perform pujas and rituals in Muzrai temples.

Addressing a press meet here recently, Kasturi Karnataka Nyayapara Vedike State President Girish Shivarchaka said that the Government should allow  all priests who have been in priesthood profession for generations to continue in the profession.

Maintaining that Shivarchaka community is dependent on priesthood for livelihood, Girish objected to Pejawar Mutt Seer Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji’s recent observation that only Brahmin community be allowed to practice priesthood as profession. 

Wondering where the Shivarchaka community should go if only Brahmin community members are allowed to continue the profession, he urged the Government to allow all community priests whose family has a tradition of priesthood for generations. Pointing out that the Government has been appointing priests from all communities for Muzrai temples, Girish sought the Government to consider Shivarchaka priests in such appointments.