Ramalinga Reddy, Minister for Muzrai and Transport, inaugurated a convocation for students who had completed the Agama Shastra studies here.
He said holding such an event would motivate the graduates and lamented that it had not taken place in 27 years. Although efforts were made to reach out to those who completed the agama studies during that period, not everyone could be contacted.
The Minister said arrangements would be made to contact all graduates of Agama Shastras since 2007 and another programme will be conducted within three months.
The convocation was organised by the Department of Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Muzrai) in association with the Karnataka State Agama Education and Examination Committee, at Jagamohan Palace.
The Minister referred to the measures initiated by the government for the development of various temples in the State, apart from sanctioning student scholarships for children of priests. More than 1200 priests in the State have been selected to visit places of pilgrimage across India, said Mr. Reddy.
He pointed out that a survey was also under way to reclaim encroached land belonging to temples and thousands of acres of land had already been recovered.
Jagadguru Sri Yadgiri Yatiraja Narayana Jiyar Swami spoke about the importance of the Religious Endowments Department. He recalled the contribution of saint and philosopher Ramanujacharya in the rejuvenation of temples and said that his efforts alone led to the restoration of 22,000 temples in Karnataka. In this context, the seer praised the efforts and initiatives of the department in promoting the welfare of the priests.
M.V. Venkatesh, commissioner of the Religious Endowments Department, remarked that the Agama Ghatikotsava was last held in 2007 and is being resumed after 17 years. On Friday, certificates were distributed to 2,000 students who studied after 2019, and another 10,000 students will receive their certificates in the next three to four months, said Mr. Venkatesh.
Dr. Bhashyam Swami spoke on Agama Shastra and described the field as vast, profound, and extensive. He said there was a growing need to research its content scientifically and share its truths with the world.
He also called for the creation of an Agama Research Institute under the Karnataka government to focus on Agama Shastra studies and help students pursue higher education in this field and highlighted the contribution of the Mysuru royal family in promoting Agama Shastra by establishing the Maharaja Sanskrit Pathshala which laid the foundation for teaching Vedas, Shastras, and Agama studies.
T.S. Srivatsa, MLA, G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Deputy Commissioner, and others were present.
