Refresher course for Pujaris begins at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine

Guests and speaker at inaugural of refresher course for Pujaris at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
Guests and speaker at inaugural of refresher course for Pujaris at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Nov 1: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) in its pursuit to upgrade and sharpen the skills on religious practices and rituals for their Pujaris, commenced eleven days well crafted refresher course today at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine as per the directions of Chairman, SMVDSB, Lt Governor JK-UT.
The course was formally inaugurated by Dr Murli Manohar, Vice Chancellor, Lal Bahadur Shastri Sanskrit University New Delhi in the presence of Umesh Sharma, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bhawan, Head Pujari and other dignitaries on the occasion.
The training shall be imparted on ritualistic skills by experts from well renowned institutions of Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi, Kashi, Varanasi in collaboration with Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan, Basohli, Kathua.
The refresher course shall cover 31 Pujaris in two batches with focus on the specific rituals, mantras & practices that a Pujari needs to master besides, highly specific and professional approach about their Pujan Vidhi. The main training contents include Karam Kaand, Upasna Kaand, Gyan Kand, Suktas, Stotras and Sandya Vandhan etc.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, while complimenting the experts said that these refresher programs fostering a culture of continuous learning shall be helpful for the enhancement of the skills of the Pujaris and their intellectual development.
Dr Sunil Sharma, Joint Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB while deliberating on various aspects of the refresher course hoped that this will reinforce and upgrade participants’ existing knowledge and religious skills.
The experts who will be marking their expertise in the course included Prof Rajneesh Kumar Shukla, Vice Chancellor; Prof Sriniwas Varkhedi, Vice Chancellor; Prof Bihari Lal Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Prof Ram Raj Upadhyay, Professor Dr Sanjay Tiwari, Jyotishacharya; Dr Chandresh Upadhyay, Vedacharya, Dr Abhishek Upadhyay and Dr Bharat Bhushan Pandey.