Interview process of 200 people from 3,000 applications begins

• Selection process for the position of Priest at Shriram Mandir in Ayodhya

• 20 people will be appointed as Priests

• Training for 6 months will also be given

Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) – So far, 3,000 applications have been received for the position of priest at the Shriram temple being built on the Shriram Janmabhoomi here. Out of these, 200 applicants have been invited for interviews, which are being conducted at the ‘Karsevak Puram’ in this vicinity. Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, Treasurer of Shriram Mandir Tirth Kshetra Nyasa informed that the candidates are being interviewed by the group of Jayakant Mishra of Vrindavan, Mahant Mithilesh Nandini Sharan of Ayodhya and Mahant Satyanarayan Das. On 22nd January 2024, pran-pratishtha (consecration) will take place in Shriram Mandir.

Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj further said that 20 individuals will be selected from these 200 candidates. The selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive six-month training program before assuming their roles as priests. Following their training, they will be assigned to various positions within the temple. Interestingly, even those candidates who are not ultimately selected will have the opportunity to participate in the training program. All of them will be given a certificate. Additionally, those not initially chosen still retain the possibility of being considered for future priest positions that may arise. The training will be based on the religious syllabus prepared by top seers. Throughout the training period, candidates will benefit from complimentary meals, accommodation, and a stipend of Rs 2,000.

Candidates were asked different set of questions like — What is ‘Sandhya Vandan’, what are its procedures and what are the ‘mantras’ for this worship ?. What are the ‘mantras’ for worshipping Shriram and what are ‘karma kand’ for this ?

What are the eligibility criteria for the position of priest ?

The eligibility criteria were established when applications were solicited for the priest position. As per these criteria, applicants should fall within the age bracket of 20 to 30 years. Additionally, prospective candidates must have undergone Shri Ramanand Diksha for a duration of 6 months and have received education within the Gurukul system

Method of worship will be as per Ramanand sect

The worship methodology at the Shriram Mandir will follow the practices of the Ramanand sect, distinguishing it from the current approach. Dedicated priests will conduct this puja. Until now, the worship in the temporary temple at the Shriram Janmabhoomi Complex has adhered to the ‘Panchopachar’ method, akin to other temples in Ayodhya. However, on January 22, 2024, a significant shift will occur following Shriram’s consecration ceremony. Puja as per Ramanand sect will be performed. In this, many aspects of worship including the way of wearing clothes are to be fixed. Similar to the revered Shri Hanuman Chalisa, a new book for praising Shriram is being crafted and is in its final stages of development. Additionally, Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj mentioned the creation of a new book specifically for the puja, which integrates information from various Shastras, including Vedic, Agama, and Ramanand Upasana practices.

Editorial Perspective

Do the people getting appointed have Bhav (spiritual emotion) in them ? Are they performing spiritual practice ? Will they perform Puja with Bhav and without any mistakes ? Or will they simply try to it get it over with as a mere ritual ? All these aspects should be taken into consideration during selection process.