Breaking stereotypes, woman as priest for a Jaisalmer temple

Jaisalmer, Feb 4: Woman priest performing daily prayers and other works in a temple maybe a rare scene but Kshetrapal temple in the district is an exception where women from Mali community have been doing the job traditionally.

The temple, located some six kms from the district headquarters, is frequently visited by newly wed couples who are directed by a woman priest to perform prayers and untie a sacred thread as part of their rituals.

"Lakhs of couples have performed prayers and untied the thread 'Konkan Dora' in the last many years. People from every community come to the temple to seek blessings," Priest of the temple, Kishni Devi said.

She said that visitors from within and outside the district also visit the temple. Devi have been serving as the temple priest for the last three years.

The shrine is looked after by the Mali community and women from the community serve as temple's integral part, she said.

Locals from Mali community are based near Jaisalmer who make their living from agricultural-related activities.

PTI