The state government has allowed women to hold the priesthood in Tamil Nadu temples. In 2007, the then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi first appointed a woman as a priest, while the current Chief Minister, Stalin, appointed another woman as female Odhuvar (one who chants hymns).
A 28-year-old Suhanjana Gopinath made headlines after she was handed the appointment order as female Odhuvar by Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday, August 14.
As many as 24 trained priests, overall 208 persons of all castes were given appointment orders by the CM on behalf of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department. The Government of Tamil Nadu wants to give an opportunity to women in this sector, which is completely male-dominated.
Suhanjana took the position of odhuvar at Dhenupureeswarar Temple at Madambakkam in Chennai. She trained at Karur Saminathan for three years.
“Now my dream has come true. Very happy to take on these duties. It doesn’t feel like a job. It is our culture and tradition. Worked for 15 years to become a priest. However, many people now complete the course within a year and enter the field. Only those who have the concentration to fully focus on this will carry out full responsibilities. Being in a field where only men have a chance is the first step towards gender equality,” said Suhanjana.