Religious Worker – Saiva (Saivite) Gurukkal Priest Assistant

 Job Title
Salary Per Annum

Hours Per Week
Days Per Week

Job Status
Location
Reports to
Responsible to
Posting Date
Closing Date
 Temple Overview

London Sri Murugan Temple
Job Description
Religious Worker – Saiva (Saivite) Gurukkal Priest Assistant
£20,000. We comply with the National Minimum Wage
regulations, provide holiday pay and other benefits according
to the laws of UK
30
5-6 Days - Flexible Work Pattern requiring early & evening
duties
Full Time - 2 year Contract
London Sri Murugan Temple, London E12
Chief Priest
President
3/3/2026
2/4/2026

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.

Job Purpose

A vacancy has arisen for the above post to serve the hindu saiva tamil community mainly living in
East London and the surrounding areas of London. The successful candidate will be instrumental in
supporting the tamil community to perform the last rites in accordance with the saiva practices and
rituals.

Key Working Relationships Internal
Board of Trustees
Administrators
Ancillary Staff

Roles & Responsibilities

External
Devotees
Local Schools
Board of Trustees from Other Temple(s)/
Organisations



Specialize and conduct Anthiyesthy/Kamas essential final religious rituals required for the
transition of the soul in accordance with Tamil/Hindu Saiva traditions at the home, cremation
ground and/or burial site including pinda daan and kriya.

  Advise and guide the bereaved family on the 13-day period of mourning rituals, including, but

not limited to, the Karumathi ceremony.

  Chanting specific Sanskrit or Tamil vedic mantras essential for purifying the body and directing

the spirit according to Saiva Agama traditions.

  Assist and supervise cremation final rites, which allows the soul to detach from the body
  Ensuring all rites are followed strictly according to Shaivite customs, providing comfort,

direction, and closure to the family.

  Take responsibility to make garlands and purchasing of essential items to carry out funeral



ceremonies.
Liaise  with  the  admin  team,  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

  Must have received the required special religious coordination and have deep knowledge of Saiva

Agama and Hindu (Tamil) rituals and funeral rites.

  Proficiency in chanting funeral mantras.
  Display, patience, sympathy and empathy in guiding families through the grieving process.
  Availability to perform rites on short notice, often working with undertakers or funeral directors.
  Applicant must be Tamil speaking and have the ability to converse in English is essential.  Ability

to converse in other South Indian languages is an advantage but not essential.

  Must have good written, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrate the ability to

work with other priests, devotees, temple staff and board of trustees.
Strict adherence to and high standards of personal cleanliness.



How to apply:

Please apply by sending a CV/written application to:

  The President & Secretary
  London Sri Murugan Temple
  78 Church Road, Manor Park
  London, E12 6AF
  Email:admin@londonsrimurugan.org