Kathmandu, January 26:

The Pashupati Area Development Trust today decided to systematise the functioning of the Pashupatinath temple by categorising the important affairs of the temple into three groups.

As per the decision, routine worship at the temple will be performed in accordance

with the rituals and priority will be given to candidates who are well versed in the shrine rituals while appointing priests and Bhandaris. Transparency will be maintained in the monetary and material offers made by the devotees.

Talking to the press, Ganesh Adhikari, treasurer, PADT, said, “We organised a three-day discussion of experts and learned individuals on the functioning of the temple prior to coming to the decision.” He said the decision would be implemented at the earliest.

Reasserting that Pashupati was for every individual having an undying faith in it and it was the centre of faith for Hindus all over the world, he said, “Even though we want the trust to be an independent body, free from political interference, we cannot do the same due to many limitations.”

Instead of handing the offering directly to the priests or throwing it into the temple, the devotees will soon be able to use offer-boxes called bheti-patros, he said. Those who wish to give anonymous charity could use separate boxes, he added.

“We will get attractive boxes and place them on temple premises for those who want to give even a single rupee,” said Parmananda Shakya, member secretary, PADT.

The Bhandaris have made a twelve-point suggestion for setting up an effective regulatory body. The suggestions include freeing the temple from politics, ensuring a life of dignity and respect for the temple employees and security at the temple. Adhikari said there had been cases of brown sugar sale on the temple premises. Maintaining transparency in the monetary aspect of the temple has also been sought so that the priests and the helpers are not accused of misusing the temple’s money.

PADT members also stated that a well-resourced learning centre would be opened

for all those who want to learn about the temple rituals the nitty-gritty of the pooja. A drafting committee has been formed, which will work on matters as soon as possible, said Shakya. “We cannot give an exact timeline when changes will come into effect but it will be soon.”