Kathmandu:
Ending the centuries-old monopoly of South Indian Brahmins, Nepal's government has issued a regulation enabling Nepalese citizens and others to become the priests and chief priest of the famed Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, one of the eight holiest Hindu shrines.
As per the new regulation framed by Ministry of Culture and State Restructure, any person who is qualified, can become the priest without any nationality bar, according to sources at the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT).
"The government has decided to fill the vacancy for the posts of chief priest and priests of Pashupatinath temple by issuing a notice in national dailies to appoint them on the basis of free competition," Parmananad Shakya, member secretary of PADT said.
Now any one, including Nepalese and Indian nationals, who are qualified can apply for the jobs, he said.
Local religious activists, however, rejected the Ministry's decision saying it was "illegal and impractical".
Maoists' government last year sacked three Indian priests serving at the temple and replaced them with Nepalese nationals, triggering widespread protests across the country.
Prime Minister Prachanda, who is also the patron of the temple, was forced to reverse the decision by issuing a statement in Parliament.