Priests oppose the move of appointing guides in Braj

2023.12.06 (Vrindavan Today News): The Brajwasi Panda Sabha has made a plea to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to preserve the sacred Brahmin traditions in the region, emphasizing the potential threat to the livelihoods of over 25,000 Brahmin families in Braj due to the proposed appointment of guides by the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad.

Raghav Bharadwaj, the General Secretary of the Panda Sabha, highlighted the Sabha’s pivotal role in leading the Tirth Purohit community for centuries, safeguarding and nurturing Braj’s culture immaculately. He underscored that the Tirth Purohits neither possess regular jobs nor engage in conventional businesses.

“Our duty revolves around conducting Yamuna worship, facilitating temple visits, and ensuring pilgrim satisfaction for those who come to Braj – Vrindavan,” he stated. “Our community has suffered government neglect for several decades, plunging the existence of our revered Tirth Purohit tradition into jeopardy.”

Bharadwaj added, “We had high expectation from the government when it formed the Tirth Purohit, Pujari, and Sant Ayog (Commission), that the newly formed commission would bring positive changes for the community. But now with the proposal of appointing guides by the UPBTVP, arose a grave concern that it will potentially jeopardise the sustenance of the Tirth Purohit community”.

The Panda Sabha’s appeal reflects the apprehension of an imminent crisis that could threaten the livelihoods and essence of the Brahmin traditions, resonating deep within the cultural fabric of Braj.