AGAMA TRADITIONS

1. Context

The Supreme Court ordered status quo on the appointment of archakas (priests) in Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu. The Srirangam Koil Miras Kainkaryaparagal Matrum Athanai Sarntha Koilgalin Miraskain-karyaparargalin Nalasangam, an association of archakas, had challenged reforms introduced by the DMK government, which are seen as attempting to change the hereditary system of appointing archakas in Agama temples.

2. What are the Agama traditions?

Agama traditions refer to a set of ancient scriptures and religious texts in Hinduism that provide guidelines and rituals for temple construction, deity worship, and religious practices. These traditions are an integral part of Hindu religious and spiritual life and have had a significant influence on temple architecture, iconography, and rituals.

Agama texts are believed to have originated thousands of years ago and are considered sacred by many sects within Hinduism. They are seen as authoritative guides for the proper construction and consecration of temples, as well as for the worship of deities.
Agamas prescribe detailed guidelines for the design, layout, and construction of temples. They specify architectural features, proportions, and measurements to ensure the sanctity and auspiciousness of the temple.
Agama traditions outline rituals and procedures for the worship of deities in temples. These rituals include offerings, daily worship schedules, and elaborate ceremonies performed by trained priests (archakas).
Agamas provide instructions on the creation of sacred images (murtis) and their placement within temples. They dictate the specific attributes, forms, and symbols associated with various deities.
Agamas contain a rich repository of mantras (sacred chants) and prayers used during temple rituals. These mantras are considered potent and essential for invoking the divine presence.
Agamas also include information on the use of yantras (sacred geometric diagrams) and mandalas (ritualistic diagrams) for meditation and worship.
Agama traditions have a significant influence on both Shaivism (worship of Lord Shiva) and Vaishnavism (worship of Lord Vishnu) but are also followed in other sects and traditions within Hinduism.
There are numerous Agama texts, and they are often classified into categories based on the deities they focus on. For example, the Shaiva Agamas are specific to Lord Shiva, while the Shakta Agamas pertain to the worship of the Divine Mother, Shakti.
The preservation and transmission of Agama traditions have been primarily oral, with teachers passing down the knowledge and practices to their disciples. However, efforts have been made to document these traditions in written form to ensure their continuity.
Agama traditions continue to play a vital role in the functioning of Hindu temples across India and in other parts of the world. They are an essential part of religious life for millions of Hindus.

3. Chronology of the issue

The DMK government in Tamil Nadu, led by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, amended the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment (HR & CE) Act in 1971 to abolish the hereditary appointment of priests. This allowed individuals from all castes to become priests.
In 2006, the Tamil Nadu government declared that all qualified persons were eligible to be priests, irrespective of their caste or background. However, this declaration was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015. The Court emphasized adherence to Agama Sastras while ensuring that constitutional rights were not violated.
The Madras High Court ruled in favor of a woman priest from Usilampatti, Madurai, who was facing opposition from male priests regarding her right to conduct puja at the Arulmigu Durgai Amman temple. The court rejected the application of Agama Sastras and Manusmriti norms, emphasizing the need to eliminate gender bias from temples to uphold constitutional mandates against discrimination and practices derogatory to women.
In this case, the Supreme Court upheld the appointment of non-believers to the temple trust board, emphasizing the principle of equality and non-discrimination in temple administration.
The Supreme Court ruled in this case that no pre-existing custom could exclude non-Brahmins from performing puja in temples if they were trained and qualified. This decision reinforced the idea that caste and family succession should not dictate eligibility for temple rituals and the appointment of priests (archakas).

These legal actions and judgments underscore the government and judiciary's commitment to ensuring equality, non-discrimination, and inclusivity in temple administration and priest appointments, irrespective of caste, gender, or belief.

4. Challenges to Constitutional Provisions in Temple Administration

Despite constitutional provisions and the abolition of hereditary priest appointments in Tamil Nadu, the Agama tradition continues to influence temple administrations.
In Kerala, Hindutva groups question why only Hindu temples are under government control, not churches or mosques, sparking debates on religious equity.
Tamil Nadu witnessed a campaign for the "reclamation" of temples before the 2021 Assembly elections, challenging government control.

5. Historical Context

During the colonial period, British officials' involvement in Hindu rituals, like the Chittoor district collector's role at Tirupati temple, raised concerns among Christian establishments. This led to the transfer of temple control to local communities.
In 1951, the HR & CE Act restricted the government's role to temple administration and finance.

6. Friction between Modernity and Tradition

Debates persist over hereditary priest rights, reflecting friction between modernity and tradition.
The Supreme Court's decision to allow women into the Sabarimala temple also highlights this tension.

7. The Uniqueness of Hinduism and Temple Worship

Hinduism's diversity, contradictions, and numerous deities make it unique, and rules applied to other faiths may not necessarily apply to Hinduism.
Many priests serve without financial gain, emphasizing the enduring importance of customs beyond monetary considerations.
Hindu temples are seen as epicenters of "soul energy" with unique deities and purposes, unlike Semitic traditions where the venue or idol is secondary.
Concepts of worship centers vary significantly within Hinduism.
Logic and reasoning may not apply to faith without empathy, as exemplified by varying practices related to menstruation in different temples.

These complexities highlight the intricate relationship between tradition, faith, and modernity in the context of Hindu temple administration and customs.

Mains Practice Questions

1. Discuss the Constitutional Provisions and historical context related to the administration of Hindu temples in India. What challenges and debates have arisen concerning government control and hereditary priest appointments in temples? (250 Words).

2. Examine the role of Agama traditions in the persistence of traditional practices and rituals in Hindu temples. How have these traditions influenced temple administration and worship? (250 Words).

Source: indianexpress

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