Neeta Kolhatkar spoke to priests across the city to find out whether God and religion are attractive anymore for the believer and the follower
Internet can't replace us
I have completed my Bachelors in Economics from St Joseph's College, Virar. I have also done a course in desktop publishing and design. My family lives in Virar and my father, besides being the purohit of our native village, is also involved in agriculture.
I was always interested in becoming a priest and wanted to break the myth that priests are old, doddering people. I believe the younger generation should study the scriptures and definitely consider becoming priests.
I am bringing in 5,000 priests from UP and Bihar because now not only do Maharashtrians celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, other communities are doing it too. We are, therefore, falling short of priests in Mumbai. I try to ensure that Marathi-speaking priests go to perform pujas in Mahrashtrian households, while the others go to non-Maharashtrian communities.
But people constantly seek newer, more modern means of conducting pujas. They prefer shortcuts. Some think they can even be blessed online. But nothing can be an alternative to a real person.
Atul Mahajan
We are valued for an hour
A lot of people opt for this profession after seeing the success of some priests. Others choose this as a last resort, as they know they will never go hungry. It's time brahmins sent their children to study the Vedas. I have two sons, and one of them is studying in my veda pathshala. Sadly, those who become priests often feel ashamed to shave their hair and wear dhotis.
If Muslims wear caps and pray five times a day, why should we feel ashamed? The problem is that priests get importance for only that one hour during Ganesh Chaturthi, when families and mandals want their idols to be blessed.
Prakash Sadhle
Women turn us down
People do feel embarrassed about becoming priests. In future, finding good priests is going to be a big problem. Even girls reject proposals from brahmin priests as they don't think they can be happy married to a men of God. We need more educated people in this profession, who need to understand that being a priest also involves a lot of social work.
But young people turn their backs on this profession. My son is a marketing professional and presently in Dubai, while my daughter has married a person working in information technology.
Gururaj Vasudev Deo
We don't get fat salaries
Today most people want 'shortcut' pujas and quick blessings. They want to hasten the process and sometimes resort to playing tapes if we are late. People have to realise that we, too, face traffic jams and other problems. I believe a priest must have excellent command over Sanskrit and impeccable pronunciation. He should have sound knowledge of rituals and pujas too.
Many brahmin priests feel ashamed of wearing dhotis and prefer to wear jeans and T-shirts. instead. Unless I am travelling long distances by public transport, I don't wear casuals. Contrary to popular belief, we do work all year 'round. But, unlike people in the IT sector, we don't get a fat salary and perks, even if there are flexible hours.
Sanjay Shivram Paranjpe
This job calls for faith
Today's generation is embarrassed to join this profession. They want to pursue other lucrative professions, which is understandable. There aren't many schools teaching Vedic subjects that prepare students for priesthood.
We don't merely perform a puja in households; people come to us with problems and seek advice. This occupation requires immense faith. One should become a priest only if one has the ability and deep integrity.
Umesh Jangam
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