In a unique academic initiative, Lucknow University is set to introduce postgraduate (PG) courses in priesthood and Vastu Shastra from the upcoming academic session, expanding its offerings in traditional Indian knowledge systems.
The university’s astrology department will roll out two new programmes — MA in Priesthood and MA in Vastu Shastra, both under the self-financed category with a fee of ₹15,080 per semester. Each course will have 30 seats, officials confirmed.
The courses have been designed in line with UGC guidelines, combining traditional learning with practical application, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on training.
The MA Priesthood programme will focus on rituals and karmakand practices associated with life events from birth to death, including concepts such as nitya karma, naimittika karma, and kamya karma. Students will also receive training in rituals like rudrabhishek, chandi path, and bhagwat katha, preparing them for professional roles in religious services.
Officials said the course is expected to help graduates secure opportunities as priests in India and abroad, especially in countries with a significant Hindu population, while also providing formal certification from a recognised institution.
The MA Vastu Shastra programme will cover ancient Indian architectural science, including land selection, soil analysis, building suitability, and spatial energy concepts. The syllabus will include classical texts such as Samarangana Sutradhara, Maimatam, Vishwakarma Prakash, and Muhurta Chintamani, along with guidance on auspicious timings and rituals linked to construction.
Graduates of the Vastu course are expected to explore career opportunities in consultancy services or related industries, officials added.
The astrology department at the university already offers BA, MA, and PhD programmes in astrology, and has recently expanded into consultancy services, reflecting a growing institutional focus on traditional knowledge systems.
With the introduction of these new PG courses, the university aims to formalise education in priesthood and Vastu Shastra, blending ancient practices with structured academic training, and opening up new career pathways for students in culturally rooted professions.
