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News18
30-04-2025
- General
- News18
Hanuman Garhi Priest Breaks 200-Year-Old Tradition To Visit Ayodhya's Ram Lalla On Akshaya Tritiya
Last Updated: 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. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
NDTV
29-04-2025
- General
- NDTV
Hanuman Garhi Chief Priest Breaks 70-Year Tradition To Visit Ram Mandir In Ayodhya
Ayodhya is set to witness a historic event this Akshaya Tritiya, observed on April 30th. Mahant Prem Chand Das Ji, the 70-year-old chief priest of the Hanumangarhi Temple, who holds the title of 'Gaddi Nasheen,' will embark on a majestic procession to visit Ram Lalla. This unprecedented occasion marks the first time a 'Gaddi Nasheen' has ventured beyond Hanumangarhi's 52-bigha boundary, making it a truly significant moment for Ayodhya. According to a centuries-old custom, the 'Gaddi Nasheen' is barred from walking out of the temple all his life. Ayodhya resident Prajjwal Singh told new agency 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 conveyed the wish to the Panch (members) of Nirvani Akhara, who unanimously granted him their permission for the visit. "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. He said the chief priest will be accompanied by Naga sadhus, their disciples, devotees, and local traders. The procession will reach the banks of the Saryu River at 7 am for a ritual bath and then proceed towards the Ram Temple, he said. "After a wait of 500 years, the Ram Lalla temple has been constructed. Therefore, the 'Gaddi Nasheen' of Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi will go to have darshan of Ram Lalla. He will visit along with saints from all four sects after taking a bath in the Saryu River at 7 am on Akshaya Tritiya. This will mark the beginning of a new tradition in Ayodhya," said Acharya Mithilesh Nandini Sharan, a saint of Hanumat Niwas. "The saints and sages of Ayodhya are very happy with this initiative and are quite enthusiastic too." Saint Sanjay Das of Hanumangarhi shared that for the past three months, Lord Hanuman has been spiritually inspiring the 'Gaddi Nasheen' Mahant to visit Shri Ram Lalla. During the darshan, 56 types of bhog (offerings) will be presented to the deity on behalf of Ayodhya's Hanumangarhi temple. On January 22, 2024, an idol of the Ram Lalla was consecrated at the Ayodhya Temple in a landmark event. Parts of temple still remain under construction.
