Ayodhya: The consecration ceremony of Ayodhya’s Ram Lalla Mandir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set for January 22. Before the consecration, training for the 20 selected candidates for the position of temple priests commenced on Wednesday. The training, spanning six months, will take place at the newly constructed office of the trust in Ayodhya. Following the training, the final selection for the position of archak (priest) will be made.
Govind Dev Giri, the treasurer of the trust, mentioned that candidates successfully completing the training will be appointed as priests, and after six months of training, they will be deployed in various positions. During the training period, the trust will provide a monthly stipend of 2000 rupees to all candidates and arrange for their food and accommodation in Ayodhya. The trust plans to engage teachers with expertise in various subjects of Hinduism and scriptures to provide specialized training.
The trust has clarified that the worship of Ram Lalla will be conducted according to the Ramanandi tradition, where Lord Ram holds a significant place. Last month, the trust had conducted interviews for 200 candidates out of 3000 applicants for the position of archaks. According to the trust, the 200 candidates underwent the interview process in Ayodhya’s Karsevakpuram.
The selection process was organized by a three-member panel, including propagator Jayakant Mishra from Vrindavan and two mahants from Ayodhya, Mithilesh Nandini Sharan and Satyanarayan Das. The trust issued notifications on its official website regarding the appointment of archaks for Ram Lalla. The elaborate training and selection process emphasises the trust’s commitment to ensuring that the consecration ceremony is carried out by well-trained and knowledgeable priests adhering to the traditions of Hinduism.