Ayodhya, August 12: Discontent is brewing among the saint community regarding the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The saints have expressed that the proposed CEO position contradicts the traditional temple management system of Ayodhya, viewing it as a step towards the alleged government takeover of the Ram Temple.
The saint community demands that the temple should be managed not like a corporate entity but in accordance with Ayodhya’s centuries-old religious and traditional practices. They have urged the Ram Temple Trust and the government to reconsider the CEO appointment process. Furthermore, they have warned that if this appointment moves forward, the saint community may resort to widespread protests.
Deveshacharya, the priest of Hanumangarhi, criticized the CEO appointment process, calling it unfortunate. He stated that the way applications for the CEO position were solicited, followed by the announcement of interviews, resembles the hiring process of a large corporation or agency. He questioned the necessity of a CEO when a trust has already been established to manage the temple’s operations. The trust’s purpose is to ensure the smooth and organized functioning of a religious institution, raising concerns about whether there are issues with the current trust system.
He noted that a religious committee has also been formed for the Ram Temple, comprising senior saints from Ayodhya. This has led to confusion among the saints regarding the justification for appointing a CEO. The temple should operate in line with Ayodhya’s traditional religious framework rather than under a corporate system. He further emphasized that the Vishva Hindu Parishad, which has worked alongside saints to free temples from government control, is paradoxically involved in advancing the CEO appointment at the Ram Temple. The need for a CEO is perplexing given the presence of the trust, religious committee, and other traditional positions.
Mahant Sitaram Das also expressed strong opposition to the CEO position. He accused the authorities of attempting to covertly governmentize the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple through this appointment. The saint community will not allow this effort to succeed. If a position is necessary to strengthen temple management, it should be filled by a dedicated saint connected to the Vaishnav tradition, serving as a chief servant or religious officer. The role of the government should be secondary to that of religious tradition and the saint community.
He warned that if steps are taken towards government control of the temple through the CEO appointment, the saint community will respond with vocal protests. He challenged the government and trust officials, asserting that the saint community will not back down on this issue.
Mahant Varun Das also criticized the CEO appointment as contrary to Ayodhya’s traditions. He stated that the temples in Ayodhya have historically operated under their own traditional systems, and the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple should follow suit. The traditional religious framework in Ayodhya includes positions such as religious officer, manager, priest, storekeeper, and mahant for temple administration. If an administrative role is deemed necessary, a religious officer could be appointed instead of a CEO.
Mahant Varun Das expressed concern that if a CEO is appointed today, it could lead to further steps towards government control of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in the future. He reiterated that the saint community has consistently opposed the government takeover of temples and will not accept any such arrangement regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi.
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