TEMPLE ASSISTANT (HINDU RELIGIOUS WORKER)

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.

Our priests are well renowned and have acquired their skills and knowledge via the most prestigious Hindu educational centres(Vedagama Vidyalayam) 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 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 a temple religious worker and adhere to temple processes and policies.

· Have sufficient training and experience of all Hindu Vedas and Vaikhansa/Vaishnava agamas to assume the role and duties of the religious worker.

· Willing to accept both Saiva and Vaishnava faith of Hinduism as the Temple has both deities.

Roles & Responsibilities

Responsible for supporting the priests in performing homam, abhishekam (divine consecrations), alangaram (decorating deities) archanai (chanting mantras) and pooja (ceremonial worship) in accordance with the strict Hindu agamas (rules) and traditions of the Temple.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in motivating and encouraging the devotees to participate regularly in all temple activities.

Postholder should affirm their faith as a Hindu as the role involves assisting in worshipping and supporting poojas for the Hindu Gods as part of accompanying pooja rituals to the deities.

The postholder will support the board of trustees to maintain the temple supplies and essential pooja item and assist in executing temple events.

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 stotrams) and is familiar with the necessary items for different ceremonies and rituals.

Direct all requests by devotees for special Pooja (prayers), Abishekam and Havan (homam) where appropriate.

Liaise with the priests, ancillary staff 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 and be a strict vegetarian

3+ years of experience working in a temple 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

The postholder should have previous experience of working in South Indian Hindu temples as a religious worker.

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.

Trained and well versed in Saivaite and Vaishnavaite traditions.

Demonstrates knowledge of and is able to operate standard office equipment to facilitate the drafting of religious songs/prayers for the devotees.

Bachelor degree in hindu religious studies

Possess the ability to skilfully manage school visits to educate students on Saivaite and Vaishnavaite traditions

How to Apply:

If you are interested and feel you can contribute then please apply by sending a CV via email or written application to:
The President & Secretary
London Sri Murugan Temple, 78 Church Road, Manor Park, London, E12 6AF (Email: secretary@londonsrimurugan.org)

Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Contract length: 24 months

Salary: £18,000.00-£20,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 27/06/2023
Expected start date: 31/07/2023