India, July 27 -- The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to establish a permanent institute to train and certify priests, known as archaks. The plan, approved on 22 July at a Trust meeting in Ayodhya, will offer formal training in Hindu rituals and give certificates.

Interim general secretary Krishna Mohan and treasurer Govind Dev Giri announced the new plan. Temples in India and Hindu communities overseas are seeking more priests with strong knowledge of scriptures and rituals. Religious leaders and members of the Indian diaspora believe this is a practical way to address the shortage and set a clear standard, since most priests have learned through informal apprenticeships.

At the same meeting, a nine-member committ...