At 19, Pasu Pathe is already guiding others in prayer

At just age 19, S Pasu Pathe has responsibilities that would be daunting for someone twice his age.

For the past two years, he has been managing Muniandy Temple in Taman Tropika here, conducting prayer ceremonies independently and tending to the needs of devotees.

His interest in religious life began much earlier. As a child, Pasu Pathe often accompanied his father to the temple, before beginning to learn the duties of a priest while still in Year Six.

That early exposure gradually deepened into a commitment he chose to pursue with the full support of his parents.

“I have been managing this temple for two years and can now conduct prayer ceremonies independently,” he told Bernama.

Before that, he learnt from a senior priest at Sri Subramanyaswamy Temple, one of Gua Musang’s best-known Hindu temples.

His days can begin as early as 7am and continue until 6pm, depending on religious commitments and the needs of visiting devotees.

The role also requires discipline, from watching his behaviour and diet to observing a vegetarian lifestyle and being mindful of what he eats and drinks before ceremonies.

Deepavali makes those days even busier. Pasu Pathe helps decorate the prayer area, prepare ritual items and welcome devotees, before heading to Sri Subramanyaswamy Temple to pray and assist its committee.

Only after his temple duties are complete does he return home to celebrate with his family.

For all that responsibility, Pasu Pathe is still very much a young man looking ahead. The younger of two siblings speaks Mandarin and hopes to eventually move to another state, gain new experiences and find work.

Still, the years spent caring for a temple have left their mark: they have taught him discipline, responsibility and how to manage his time – valuable life lessons usually associated with adulthood.