Maharashtra Government’s decision to follow the religious rituals in temples as per ‘Dharmashastra’

‘Pashchim Maharashtra Devasthan Vyavasthapan Samiti’ to Appoint ‘Dharmashastra Margdarshaks’

Mumbai, 29 January – Maharashtra Government has taken an important decision to appoint ‘Dharmashastra Margdarshaks (Advisors on Hindu Scriptures)’ in temples managed by ‘Pashchim Maharashtra Devasthan Vyavasthapan Samiti (Samiti)’ to guide the temple priests on various religious rituals required to be performed in temples. The State Law and Justice Department has published this Government decision on 29-01-2026. It is considered to be an important decision for performing all religious rituals in temples as per Hindu Dharmashstra. The ‘Samiti’ administrators had presented a proposal to the State Government in 2023 for creating such posts.

Maharashtra Government takes a significant step! 🚩

To ensure temple rituals are performed strictly according to the Dharmashastra, a 'Dharmashastra Guide' will now be appointed to the Western Maharashtra Devasthan Management Committee. 🏛️✨

This is a vital move for preserving… pic.twitter.com/8m6CumhzWK

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) January 30, 2026

Eligibility of ‘Dharmashastra Margdarshak’ !

Good knowledge of Sanskrut language, Dharmashastra, Vedas, Agam-shastra, Puranas, and ‘Yadnya-karma’; minimum knowledge of ‘Sola Sanskar’, traditions followed in the Devasthan regarding ‘puja’; passed tenth standard; hold a registered certificate or degree in ‘Dharmashastra’ from any Government -recognised ‘Vedik Pathshala’ is required to be considered for the appointment as ‘Dharmashastra Margdarshak’.

Responsibilities of ‘Dharmashastra Margdarshak’

Supervision and planning of performing religious rituals, daily ‘puja’, ‘Palakhi Utsav’, Rathotsav, etc. in temples, follow traditional discipline, coordination and guidance during the visits of dignitaries who require special diplomatic protocols, arrangements for ‘Darshan’ in temples and organisation of all religious programmes, inspection of inscriptions belonging to ancient times and the erstwhile princely states, engraved copper plate grants, written records, etc., and give right opinion to the Government, give expert advice on sensitive matters like conservation and preservation of idols by giving coating etc., will be the responsibilities of a ‘Dharmashastra Margdarshak’.