Hanuman Garhi Priest Breaks 200-Year-Old Tradition To Visit Ayodhya's Ram Lalla On Akshaya Tritiya
The rule came about because, as the symbolic representative and 'sevak' of Lord Hanuman, the priest's role is to stay at the temple, which is seen as Hanuman's own abode
Breaking a centuries-old religious tradition, Mahant Prem Das Ji, the Gaddi Nasheen of Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi temple, stepped outside the temple premises for the first time in centuries to visit the Ram Lalla Temple amid grand festivities on Wednesday.
Coming on the occasion of the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya, the historic visit also marked the breaking of a strict tradition that had bound Hanuman Garhi's chief priests within its 52-bigha (0.13 square km) premises since its establishment in the 18th century.
The Royal Procession
On Wednesday, the event unfolded with a grand ceremony on a day already revered in the Hindu calendar. Mahant Prem Das took a ritual dip at the Saryu River at 7am accompanied by saints and devotees. Following this, he led a royal procession towards the Ram Temple.
The spectacle included elephants, camels, horses, silver staffs, and traditional Akhara banners. He travelled in a chariot up to a certain point before switching to a four-wheeler to comply with the Ram Mandir's security protocols.
'This wasn't just a visit—it was a symbolic yatra of Ayodhya's guardian visiting the ruler. After 500 years of wait and struggle, Ram Lalla is home again, and so Hanuman-ji's sevak must visit," said Acharya Mithilesh Nandini Sharan of Hanumat Niwas.
Following his request, the 400-member strong Nirvani Akhara held a meeting on April 21. After lengthy discussions, the Panchayat unanimously approved the visit, deeming it a divine directive rather than a personal choice. 'The decision was not made lightly. But when the call is from Hanuman-ji himself, how can one refuse?" said Mahant Ramkumar Das, head of the Nirvani Akhara.
Offerings of Devotion: 56 Types of Bhog
As part of the ceremony, Mahant Prem Das carried 56 types of 'bhog' (food offerings) to present to Lord Ram on behalf of Hanuman Garhi. The offerings symbolised devotion, gratitude, and the bond between the two temples—Hanuman Garhi and Ram Janmabhoomi.
Saint Sanjay Das, another seer from Hanuman Garhi, said: 'For three months, Mahant-ji has been spiritually moved. He often wept while narrating his dreams. Today, Ayodhya saw a new dawn."
Why the Rule Existed
The 'Samvidhan' (constitution) of Hanuman Garhi, believed to have been formalised over 200 years ago during the time of Baba Abhay Das ji Maharaj, states that the Gaddi Nasheen is not to leave the temple's domain. As the symbolic representative and 'sevak' (servant) of Lord Hanuman, the priest's role is to remain at the temple, which is seen as Hanuman's own abode watching over Lord Ram's birthplace.
Explaining the significance, Dr Mahesh Das, Pracharya of Hanumant Sanskrit Vidyalaya and a disciple of Mahant Prem Das, said: 'According to Hanuman Garhi's constitution, the Gaddi Nasheen must not leave the temple land. Hanuman-ji is Ayodhya's guardian, and his representative must always be present. Until now, only a symbol — the chinnah — ever travelled for religious ceremonies."
Community and Devotees Rejoice
Locals, pilgrims, and saints from various sects joined the event in celebration. The streets of Ayodhya were lined with flower petals, conches rang out, and bhajans echoed across the city.
Prajjwal Singh, who hails from Ayodhya said, 'The tradition was so strict that the Gaddi Nasheen didn't even appear in local courts. What we saw today was unimaginable — it is truly a new era for Ayodhya." In the procession, thousands of devotees joined the march, and saints from all four Hindu sects expressed joy over the moment.
'This is not the end of a tradition; it is the evolution of it. The city is alive with blessings today," said a Naga sadhu, who was a part of the procession.
New Chapter in Ayodhya's Religious History
The event not only marked a turning point in Hanuman Garhi's tradition but also deepened the spiritual relationship between Ayodhya's two central shrines—the Ram Temple and Hanuman Garhi. With parts of the Ram Mandir are still under construction after the grand consecration of the Ram Lalla idol on January 22, 2024, Mahant Prem Das's darshan stands as a symbolic integration of past, present, and future.
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