Hanumangarhi Chief Priest To Visit Ram Mandir On Akshay Tritiya, Breaking Centuries-Old Tradition

The chief priest of Hanumangarhi Temple, Mahant Prem Das, will step out of the temple premises to visit the nearby Ram Mandir on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya, April 30. Mahant Prem Das, 70, holds the revered title of Gaddi Nasheen and has adhered strictly to a centuries-old tradition that prohibits him from leaving the temple grounds—an area that spans 52 bighas in Ayodhya.

Ayodhya resident Prajjwal Singh told PTI, “The tradition that started with the establishment of the temple in the 18th century was so strict that the 'Gaddi Nasheen' was barred from appearing even before local courts.”

The break from tradition comes after Mahant Prem Das expressed a desire to visit the Ram Temple.

He expressed his desire to the Panch (members) of Nirvani Akhara, who unanimously approved and granted him permission for the visit.

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"On Akshay Tritiya, which is on April 30, the Gaddi Nasheen will lead a procession, which will also feature elephants, camels, and horses, from Hanumangarhi to Ram Lalla along with the Akhara's 'Nishaan' (insignia)," Mahant Ramkumar Das, the chief of Nirvani Akhara, said as per PTI.

He mentioned that the chief priest will be joined by Naga sadhus, their disciples, devotees, and local traders during the procession. The group will arrive at the banks of the Saryu River at 7 am for a ritual bath before heading towards the Ram Temple.

Saint Sanjay Das of Hanumangarhi revealed that over the past three months, Lord Hanuman has been spiritually guiding the 'Gaddi Nasheen' Mahant to seek darshan of Shri Ram Lalla. During the visit, 56 varieties of bhog (offerings) will be presented to the deity on behalf of Ayodhya’s Hanumangarhi temple.

An idol of Ram Lalla was consecrated at the Ayodhya Temple on January 22, 2024, in a historic ceremony, although portions of the temple are still under construction.

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