Kathmandu - A row over a controversial appointment of priests at Nepal's biggest and most important Hindu temple deepened Saturday with the disposed king adding his voice to the discontent.

"The issue should not be allowed to turn political as Pashupatinath Temple is the centre of faith for millions of Hindus," Independent Kantipur Television quoted former king Gyanendra as saying. "The affairs of the temple should be kept well away from politics."

Gyanendra's comments were his first on public affairs since the Nepalese monarchy was abolished in May last year.

On Friday, the Nepalese government deployed riot police at the temple as hundreds of people protested the appointments of two new priests by the Maoist-led government, and prevented regular prayers at the temple.

Low ranking priests accused the Maoist-led government of appointing their own people without meeting requirements.

Former Nepalese monarchs were the patrons of Pashupatinath Temple, which is a UNESCO-listed world heritage site located in Kathmandu and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. After the abolition of the monarchy, the head of the government became the temple's patron.

Earlier this week, the Nepalese Supreme Court issued a stay order on the new appointments pending further hearings.

This is the second time that the Maoist-led government has courted controversy over religious issues.

In September last year, riots broke out in Kathmandu over the government's decision to stop paying for religious ceremonies that included animal sacrifices essential for most Hindu rituals in Kathmandu Valley.

Three days of running battles between protestors and riot police finally forced the government to back down on its decision. (dpa)