In very old times, varna system (castes have roots in this social system) was based on work and not on birth. Due to compulsions and convenience of society, gradually it degenerated into a birth-based system where caste of a person started getting determined by the caste of one's parents (or father). Many social reformers tried to break the rigidity of this system which was a major reason why Hindus appeared "divided" at the face of any challenge. Even till date many good works are being done by many temples and individuals.
The news item below published in Indian Express tells about Pandharpur Temple where non-Brahmins and women were allowed to compete and get selected to work as priests:
Maharashtra temple breaks barriers, invites non-Brahmin and women priests
Written by Parthasarathi Biswas | New Delhi | May 25, 2014 12:57 am
Dressed in a simple sari, with a mangalsutra, a haldi-kumkum tika and bangles as accessories, Hema Ashtekar looks a bit out of place in the mostly male group. Like them, she is here to appear for an interview for the posts of eight priests for the ancient Shri Vitthal Rukmani temple in the pilgrim town of Pandharpur, Solapur district, Maharashtra.
Ashtekar is one of 23 women candidates who have applied for the position of priest for Goddess Rukmani. On May 18, 161 applicants appeared for the interview, in response to an advertisement placed by the temple committee, which mentioned that non-Brahmins and women were eligible to apply. Out of the 199 responses to the advertisement, 93 were from Brahmins.
Complete article at: http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/maharashtra-temple-breaks-barriers-invites-non-brahmin-and-women-priests/
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