Vaishnava Priest Assistant | London Sri Murugan

Religious Worker - Vaishnava Priest Assistant

Salary Per Annum:

£18,000 - £20,000. We comply with the National Minimum Wage regulations, provide holiday pay and other benefits according to the laws of UK.

Hours Per Week:

Days Per Week

5 - 6 Days - Flexible Work Pattern

Job Status:

Full Time

Location:

London Sri Murugan Temple, London E12

Reports To:

Chief Priest

Responsible To:

President

Posting Date:

25 December 2023

Closing Date:

25 January 2024

Temple Overview

London Sri Murugan Temple is a Hindu Religious charity which was formed in 1975. In 2005, the Trustees opened a grand new Temple built mostly in granite with a 50 feet Rajagopuram (Tower) conforming to the South Indian (agama shastra) architectural principle. The Temple has become a phenomenal success not only as a place of worship but also as a community centre for social and cultural services. London Sri Murugan Temple is now a well-established landmark in the London Borough of Newham. Many students from local schools, visitors from further afield and international countries visit the Temple on a regular basis.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in motivating and encouraging the devotees to participate regularly in all temple activities. None of the rituals, rites, poojas that are performed by the priests and / or priest assistants in our temple involves any preaching or leading a congregation.

Our priests / priest assistants are well renowned and have acquired their skills and knowledge via the most prestigious Hindu educational centres in Tamil Nadu. They are regularly asked to visit and perform prayers / poojas at various national and international events and auspicious functions.

Job Purpose

To contribute to organisation growth through the quality service to ensure the Vaishnava spiritual needs and requirement of the devotees.
To ensure all activities are carried out at the scheduled time and in a sanctified manner.
Be of exemplary character befitting the position of the Priest Assistant and adhere to temple processes and policies.
Have sufficient training and experience under a senior priest in Hindu Vedas and Vaikhanasa / Vaishnava agamas to assume the role and duties of the Priest Assistant.
Willing to accept both Saiva and Vaishnava faith of Hinduism as the Temple has both deities.

Key Working Relationships

Internal	External
Board of Trustees	Devotees
Administrators	Board of Trustees from other Temple(s)
Ancillary Staff	Other Hindu Organizations

Roles & Responsibilities

The postholder should have previous experience of working in South Indian Hindu Temples. The successful postholders will be responsible for performing homam, abhishekam (divine consecrations), alangaram (decorating deities) archanai (chanting mantras) and pooja (ceremonial worship) in accordance with the strict Hindu Vaishnava agamas (rules) and traditions of the Temple.
Postholder should affirm their faith as a Hindu as the role involves assisting in worshipping and performing poojas for the Hindu Gods in a traditional way and offer of neiveithyam as part of accompanying pooja rituals to the deities.
Detailed working knowledge of the various steps involved in some of the most common worship services, ability to chant special prayers that may be in Sanskrit or vernacular Indian languages (mantras or sthotrams) and is familiar with the necessary items for different ceremonies and rituals.
To ensure the deities and the altar / sanctum are clean and tidy at all times. This includes the polishing of the metal deities, disposal of all used flowers, arranging the deities' clothing and ensuring all pooja items are placed in the appropriate cupboard and are neatly arranged on a weekly basis.
Direct all requests by devotees for special Pooja (prayers), Abishekam and Havan (homam) to the temple office.
Liaise with the admin team, president, secretary and / or other designated Trustees where appropriate.
Carry out such other reasonable religious duties as may be requested from time to time by President, Secretary and/or other Board of Trustees.

Other Requirements

Applicant should have Brahmin lineage of priesthood
3+ years of experience working in a South Indian temples after attending a religious based educational centre.
Applicant must be Tamil speaking, however ability to converse in English, Hindi and other South Indian languages is preferable but not essential
Previous experience in conducting vishesha poojas - Sri Rama Navami, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Nithya Aradhana and Satyanarayana Pooja. Familiarities in conducting Kalyanam services like: Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam, Sri Srinivasa Kalyanam, Sri Andaal Kalyanam and all Vaishnava holy weddings. Skilled in singing bhajans, Vishnu & Lakshmi Sahasranamam and Divya Prabandham.
Detailed working knowledge of the various steps involved in some of the most common worship services, ability to chant special prayers that may be in Sanskrit or vernacular Indian languages (Mantras or Sthotrams) and is familiar with the necessary items for different ceremonies and rituals.
Trained and well versed in Vaikhanasa Agama Bhattacharya, Vaikhanasa Agamapravesha, Vaikhanasa Agamavara Certificate or equivalent certificate.
Able to conduct poojas in both the Saivaite and Vaishnavaite traditions.
Must have good communication skills and should demonstrate the ability of having good interpersonal skills to work with other priests, devotees, temple staff and board of trustees

How to Apply:

Please apply by sending a CV / written application to:

The President & Secretary
London Sri Murugan Temple, 78 Church Road, Manor Park, London E12 6AF

Email: admin@londonsrimurugan.org