School trains Brahmin Hindus in ancient traditions in Bihar

Gaya: A school in holy town Gaya has been imparting knowledge of Vedas to children of Brahmins or high caste Hindus who can become priests to manage the affairs of temples.

The students are taught highest spiritual knowledge in the school which was established about 40 years ago. School administrators rue the fact that the knowledge of Vedas is getting extinct among the Brahmins.

The Vedas are a large body of texts originating in ancient India. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism.

Raja Acharya, whose father set up the Vedic school, says they also teach the students Vedic Karamkand, last rite ritual.

The Brahmin priest is authorised to conduct religious rituals in temples and homes of Hindus only after rigorous training in Vedas and ‘sacred’ rituals. In general, as family vocations and businesses are inherited, priesthood used to be inherited among Brahmin priestly families, as it requires years of practice of Vedas from childhood after proper introduction to student life through a religious initiation.

The students undergoing training at the school say there is an urgent need to preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage. Gaya, on the banks of the River Ganges, is considered a holy spot for the performance of last rites am.

Courtesy: ANI