Shastri (degree)
Encyclopedia
A Shastri degree is awarded to pupils after years of higher education in the Sanskrit
language (at institutions such as Sampurnanand Sanskrit University
or Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthanam in India). The length of training required for a Shastri degree is usually seven years following the completion of secondary school, although students may continue training for an additional two years to obtain an Acharya
degree. At the completion of their training, while recipients retain their surname for their descendants, they are given the option to change their current surname to reflect attainment of the degree. This degree also enables pupils to become accredited Hindu Priests and Religious Teachers.
Shastri also exists as a surname through patriarchal inheritance, and so people with the name may not necessarily have undergone its associated training.
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
language (at institutions such as Sampurnanand Sanskrit University
Sampurnanand Sanskrit University
Sampurnanand Sanskrit University is an institution of higher learning in Asian learning, Sanskrit allied areas, etc. that is located in Benares , Uttar Pradesh, India.- History :...
or Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthanam in India). The length of training required for a Shastri degree is usually seven years following the completion of secondary school, although students may continue training for an additional two years to obtain an Acharya
Acharya
In Indian religions and society, an acharya is a guide or instructor in religious matters; founder, or leader of a sect; or a highly learned man or a title affixed to the names of learned men...
degree. At the completion of their training, while recipients retain their surname for their descendants, they are given the option to change their current surname to reflect attainment of the degree. This degree also enables pupils to become accredited Hindu Priests and Religious Teachers.
Shastri also exists as a surname through patriarchal inheritance, and so people with the name may not necessarily have undergone its associated training.