Renunciate Female Priests Run Krishna Temple in Jammu, India

Source: sify.com
Monday, October 11, 2010

JAMMU, INDIA : A temple devoted to Lord Krishna here is looked after by a group of female priests, who offer daily prayers and perform rituals. The priestesses say they want to spread the message of women empowerment through religion in the society. They maintain that women and men are equal, as both are children of God.

“Lord Krishna has said in the holy scripture Gita that there is no difference between a man and a woman, whether they are from different castes or class. No matter how a person is, they all have equal rights,” said tapasvi Sadha Bai, a priestess.

The temple is 200 years old and it was built by Ananda Bai, who devoted her life to the service of the temple. The priestesses, who are known as ‘Bai Ji’ (Sister), live very simply and wear pink attire. They also shave their heads and do not wear any ornament except for holy beads.