A first-of-its-kind academic programme on 'Vaishnavism' offered jointly by the Tamil University, Thanjavur and the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in the central region is all set for launch soon.
The syllabus and study materials have been designed for the under graduate and post graduate degree programmes besides diploma and certificate courses, all in Tamil medium. The University has readied the syllabus and study materials engaging scholars and experts in this field in an effort to propagate Vaishnavism.
With the Memorandum of Understanding between the Tamil University and the Srirangam Temple authorities having already been signed, the joint programme will be formally launched before this month-end, Vice Chancellor G. Bhaskaran told The Hindu on Monday.
The weekend contact classes under this programme would be held at Srirangam engaging Vaishanavite scholars and some faculty members from the University's Department of Philosophy, Mr. Bhaskaran said.
A separate space within the sprawling 'Yatri Nivas' premises at Srirangam is where the classes are proposed to be conducted in the weekend. The arrangements were being made by the Srirangam Temple authorities. A coordinator has already been nominated for the programme for which the enrolment has already begun.
In addition to offering under graduate and post graduate degree programmes in Vaishnavism, another PG degree course in Sri Bhashyam also in Tamil would be offered under the temple - university tie-up, N. Baskaran, Director, Distance Education, Tamil University, Thanjavur said.
The six- month certificate courses would be offered under four titles, including Vedas and Vedantas and inscriptions in Vaishnavite temples with special reference to Kancheepuram and Srirangam temples. The one-year diploma course would be offered in five areas including one on Saint Ramanujar. Temple authorities said necessary infrastructure arrangements have been made at the 'Yatri Nivas', adjoining the Coleroon river bank, for the contact classes. The degree, diploma and certificate would be awarded by the university under this joint initiative.