Why Is Ayodhya’s Ram Temple Trust Planning To Set Up An Institute For Priests?

The Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust is now planning to build a permanent institute to train and certify Hindu priests. The school aims to address the growing demand for qualified archaks (priests) not only in India but also overseas. Here’s what we know so far about this upcoming institute.

Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust Plans Institute To Train Priests

The decision to establish a permanent institute by the Ram Temple Trust in Ayodhya is being considered a significant step towards training and certifying Hindu priests. According to Udayavani, the proposal follows a meeting of the Trust in Ayodhya and talks about a dedicated training centre. It will be a place where priests will receive formal instruction in the performance of Hindu rituals before being certified by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The announcement was made by Trust interim general secretary Krishna Mohan and treasurer Govind Dev Giri. The decision also came alongside the Trust’s announcement of a nine-member committee of prominent seers to oversee the religious affairs of the Ram Temple.

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Institute Aims To Meet Growing Demand For Trained Priests

According to Udayavani, the institute could help standardise priestly training at a time when temples, religious institutions, and Hindu families are increasingly demanding priests who are well-versed in scriptural traditions and ritual practices. Reportedly, trained priests are needed not just in India but also abroad. Many Hindu communities living overseas are also increasingly demanding trained priests, and this institute may help fulfil that demand. 

The United States has many Indian communities from Gujarat, Bihar and southern India, and they celebrate festivals like Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Pongal and more. Priests are needed not just for these festivals but also for housewarming ceremonies, children’s milestone celebrations and other religious rituals.

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We are still awaiting further details regarding this upcoming priest training institute.

Cover Image Courtesy: Ram Mandir, Wikipedia/Prime Minister’s Office