Somnath Temple Empowers 350+ Women, Sets New Social Model

The Somnath Temple Trust has become a notable center for women's empowerment by providing employment to over 350 women in various roles. These women are engaged in managing the temple's Bilva forest, serving in the dining hall, and distributing prasad to devotees. Their participation ensures stable incomes, leading to economic independence and an improved standard of living. This inclusive model blends spiritual heritage with social responsibility, earning widespread admiration.

Key Points: Somnath Temple Women Empowerment: 350+ Female Staff Hired

  • 350+ women employed by Somnath Trust
  • Women manage the sacred Bilva forest
  • 30 women serve in temple dining hall
  • 65 women distribute prasad to devotees
2 min read

Somnath Temple emerges as centre of women empowerment, over 350 female staff employed by Trust

Somnath Temple Trust employs over 350 women in various roles, from managing sacred Bilva forests to serving prasad, fostering economic independence.

"This sacred shrine... has emerged as a powerful centre for women's empowerment. - Temple Trust"

Gandhinagar, Jan 9

Somnath Temple, a vibrant centre of India's cultural heritage and spiritual consciousness, is known the world over as a centre of faith and devotion. However, this sacred shrine is not just limited to worship and darshan alone, today, it has emerged as a powerful centre for women's empowerment.

The Somnath Trust, the nodal body for managing temple administration, has given direct and indirect employment to thousands of people, out of which more than 350 are women - engaged in multiple services at the sacred temple.

Presently, a total of 906 employees is providing services at the Somnath Temple Trust, out of which 262 are women. Interestingly, the Bilva forest inside the temple premises is completely managed by women. The 16 women working there maintain the sanctity of temple by focusing on environmental protection, green initiatives and cleanliness. This arrangement serves as example of efficient management.

About 30 women serve in the temple's dining hall. The women keep the temple's tradition of selfless service alive by serving food to thousands of devotees with love and devotion.

The participation of 65 women in the sacred task of distributing prasad further reflects their discipline, dedication and reliability.

In total, 363 women are directly or indirectly employed through the Somnath Temple Trust. These women have stable income, leading to their economic independence and a positive shift in their standard of living.

These figures are not just mere numbers, but they reflect the trust's inclusive ideology and commitment to providing equal opportunities. The active participation of women in temple management, service activities and daily operations shows at par treatment for both genders by the temple administration.

This exemplary practice of engaging women in temple services has won admiration from one and all, who see this as an appropriate model of women empowerment by blending spiritual heritage with social responsibility.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A very positive development. Economic independence is the first step towards true empowerment. The fact that these roles are within the sacred space of the temple gives them a unique dignity and respect. Hope other major temples across India take note and follow this inclusive model.
A
Arjun K
Jai Somnath! This is how our ancient traditions can evolve with modern values. Service (seva) has no gender. When I visited last year, the cleanliness and management were impeccable. Now I know why! Kudos to the Trust for this visionary approach.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has studied gender roles in religious institutions, this is a significant and praiseworthy shift. Providing stable income and roles of responsibility within such a revered institution challenges many stereotypes. A model for others to emulate.
M
Meera T
While this is a good step forward, I respectfully hope this empowerment extends beyond service roles to more administrative and decision-making positions within the Trust in the future. True parity means seeing women in leadership roles here as well.
V
Vikram M
Fantastic news! The Bilva forest being completely managed by women is especially symbolic. It shows trust in their capability to nurture and protect something so sacred. This is real 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' in action, giving daughters the power to earn with respect.

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