Careers at the Milton Keynes Murugan Temple

Job Description

Key Objectives of the Job:

• To contribute to the expansion of the Temple by rendering good quality service to motivate and encourage devotees in their Hindu beliefs.
• To cultivate more devotion in the Temple.
• To train (or guide) Assistants, and to ensure that all activities are completed in a sanctified and punctual manner.

Responsibilities:

• To perform Abishekams (ceremonial bath to deities), Alankaram (dressing of the deities), Poojas (Prayer Services) and other traditional rituals.
• To keep the deities and the altars clean and tidy at all times. This includes polishing of the metal deities, proper disposal of used flowers, arranging the deities’ clothing in the appropriate cupboards, washing of wet towels, etc. immediately after the Prayers, and cleaning & correct storage of all Pooja items.
• To liaise with the designated Temple Trust’s Representative on all matters related to the Temple’s responsibilities.
• To direct all requests by devotees for Special Poojas, Abishekam or Homam, to the Temple Office.
• To officiate at rituals conducted within or outside of the Temple (e.g., Weddings, Anniversaries, House-warmings, Puberty Ceremonies, Babies’ 31st Day Ceremonies, Thivashams, Homams, etc.) at the request of the designated Trust Representative.
• To officiate in other reasonable religious duties as requested from time to time by the Temple Trust.
• To encourage devotee participation in all religious activities by giving explanations of Hindu concepts.
• To follow the Temple Rules and Policies at all times.

Qualifications – The Priest should:

• Be a Brahmin with previous experience of working as a priest in Hindu Temples.
• Possess a Veda Agama Certificate (or equivalent) after having undergone recognised training (preferably in a Residential Veda School).
• Be of Good Character, befitting a Priest in a Hindu Temple.
• Possess a working knowledge of Hindu Astrology, with the ability to provide a list of Annual Hindu Events to the Temple Trust.
• Have experience of cooking Neivethiyam for deities.
• Flower Garland-making experience desirable.
• Able to communicate well in Tamil, and have a working knowledge of English (as many non-Tamils attend our Services).
• Able to apply his learning and experience to encourage devotees to participate in regular Temple Activities and help in the sustainability of the Temple.

Working Hours, Salary and Other Conditions:

• Work 5 hours each day, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., six days a week – a total of 30 hours per week initially.
• A salary of £24024 per annum is payable (based on the rate of £15.40 per hour).
• Payments (Dakshina) made by devotees after performance of Services (such as Archanas, Baby Blessings, Vidhyarambham, Blessings of a new car, new house etc.,), should be given to the Temple.
• (The hours of work, salary and stated times of work are open to negotiation).
• The contract will be for a period of 2 years, with first 6 months being Probationary.
• Accommodation will be the responsibility of the Applicant (Help in finding suitable accommodation will be given to the selected candidate).
• If the Candidate is able to arrange for cover during absences, it would be most appreciated.

Application Process:

Please send, by e-mail, a copy of your biodata, with copies of supporting documents, to the Secretary of the Trust, at [email protected]

For working purposes, the address of the Temple is:

The Milton Keynes Murugan Temple, Glazier Drive, Neath Hill, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom MK14 6HG

Background Information:

Phase 1 of the Temple building was opened on 15 September 2019. It is the Community Hall part of the Temple. It houses the deities in three mandapams, and Poojas are performed on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on special Festival Days.

Phase 2 of the Temple, of traditional Hindu architecture, was completed last year (2025) and the Kumbhabhishekam (Consecration) of the Temple is fixed for 29 April 2026. After the Kumbhabhishekam, the Temple will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.