Author: Chetan Adhikari
Publication: Jagaran Media Center
Date: May 6, 2007
URL: http://www.jagaranmedia.org.np/jagaran-media-nepal-dalit-news.php?id=31
Contrary to traditional taboo on Dalits' access
to Hindu temples, two dalits have been working as Hindu priests here for the
last 15 years.
Bindeshwori Hrishidev and Chedi Lal Hrishidev, dalits from a Madhesi community,
have been offering 'tika', prayers and blessings to scores of devotees visiting
Shiva Mandir and Kali Mandir in Satashidham VDC-8, Jhapa on the banks of the
Kankai River.
Although dalits, both priests recite Holy Gita and Ramayana at the break of
dawn everyday. "Devotees start crowding the temple for prayers and receiving
tika from early morning everyday," Chedi Lal said.
"I never hid my family background from the devotees coming here,"
Bindeshwori said adding, "Caste cannot stop anyone from becoming a priest
if our souls are pure."
However, both the priests share a strange indifference towards the agitation
carried out by Dalits demanding their unconditional entry into temples. "I
do not think that entering temple carries much significance in liberating
dalits. Non-dalits oppress dalit people because of the importance the latter
give to entering temples," Bindeshwori said.
Once a bull-dozer driver by profession, Bindeshwori became a priest after
facing discrimination. He encouraged the local people to built a temple in
the area, led the construction himself, and later took up the job of the priest
at the temple.
Now respected for their professions, both Bindeshwori and Hrishidev said that
non-dalits alone cannot impose caste discrimination if dalits are more committed
in their respective fields.
Dilli Ram Baskota, a local living near Shiva Mandir said, "Previously,
even we hesitated to visit the temple. However, that's a past story now."
Baskota said that the Hrishidev duo's courage to become priests is a landmark
for ending religious and caste discrimination.
Source: Kantipur Online
