Alappuzha: Breaking the shackles of tradition, two women from Kayamkulam, Vimala and C. Mahilamani, will be in charge of sanctum sanctorum of Hindu temples after completing a course in tantric vidya.
The women, one a Kathaprasangam artist and the other president of Vanita Sangam of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, were trained under Aymanam Ranjith Thantri.
They are now experts in performing pujas, solemnising weddings, and conducting posthumous day-rituals. Their entry into the male bastion ends an old tradition at temples.
They attended the ten-day course along with nine male priest aspirants at Viswagaji Math, Muhamma, as part of golden jubilee celebrations of Guru Samadhi Prathishta.
Certified as priests, they are now eligible to verse Pratha Smaranam, Bhasma Dhaaranam, Aapohishtaathi Mantra, Pratha Sandhya, Upasthanam, Madhayahna Sandhya, Gurupuja, Sanghadana Sooktam, Bhaagya Sooktham, Shivdhyaanam, Sankarapuraanam and Athamaardadhana.
"I am very proud to be a certified priest," said Vimala, 53, the mother of a girl. "Since my childhood, it was my habit to learn by heart Sree Narayana suktham. It made me able to grab the complicated mantras easily."
Active in the field of Kathaprasangam for over three decades, she says women can deal pujas neatly and with full attention than men. "Being a woman, it’s the greatest moment in my life," she adds.
"What women need to do is to come out of the cocoon of taboos."
Mahilamani, 58, mother of two, says she would utilise the opportunity to spread the preachings of Guru. "Women priests in society would help develop a strong base of spirituality," says Mahilamani, who is also acharya of Sree Krishna Ashram, Muttam, near Haripad
