On April 30, 2025, a historic event will unfold in Ayodhya. The chief priest of the revered Hanuman Garhi temple, Mahant Prem Das, will break a centuries-old tradition by leaving the temple premises to visit the newly constructed Ram temple. This extraordinary move will take place on Akshay Tritiya, a day of great religious significance, marking a turning point in the history of Ayodhya’s spiritual traditions.
For over 300 years, the chief priest of Hanuman Garhi has been bound by a strict tradition that prohibits him from leaving the temple grounds. This move, made with the consent of religious authorities and the temple's governing body, the Nirvani Akhara, has sparked widespread interest, both within the temple community and beyond.
The Tradition of Hanuman Garhi: A Sacred Legacy
Hanuman Garhi, one of the most sacred temples in Ayodhya, has a rich history that dates back to the 10th century. The temple is believed to have been built on the spot where Lord Hanuman is said to have resided to protect the city after Lord Ram's departure from Earth. According to local beliefs, the chief priest, known as the "Gaddi Nasheen," is considered a representative of Lord Hanuman and has historically been forbidden from stepping outside the temple grounds.
The ‘constitution’ of Hanuman Garhi, which governs the temple's rituals, dictates that the Gaddi Nasheen must remain within the 52 bigha (approximately 0.13 square kilometers) temple complex throughout his tenure. The tradition has been so strict that the chief priest could not even appear in local courts for legal proceedings; instead, the courts would visit him within the temple.
Why Is the Tradition Being Broken?
The breaking of this long-standing tradition has raised many questions. Why would Mahant Prem Das, who has served as the Gaddi Nasheen for years, suddenly choose to defy a rule that has been in place for centuries?
The answer lies in the chief priest's personal spiritual experiences. According to Mahant Prem Das’s disciples, for several months, he has been experiencing dreams where Lord Hanuman is instructing him to visit the Ram temple. These divine visions have led him to express his wish to visit the temple, a request that has been met with approval from the Nirvani Akhara, the religious body that oversees Hanuman Garhi.
The Historic Journey: A Grand Procession
On the morning of April 30, Mahant Prem Das will embark on a remarkable journey. His trip to the Ram temple will begin with a grand procession from Hanuman Garhi, featuring elephants, camels, horses, and Naga sadhus. The procession will be accompanied by thousands of devotees, traders, and locals who have long revered Mahant Prem Das for his spiritual leadership.
The procession will start with a ritual bath at the Saryu River, marking the beginning of the journey. Afterward, Mahant Prem Das, carrying offerings for Lord Ram, will travel to the Ram temple. This journey, though short in distance—just 1.6 kilometers—will be watched closely by both religious and political observers due to its deep cultural and symbolic significance.
Political and Social Implications
The visit is also significant beyond its religious context. In recent years, Hanuman Garhi has kept its distance from the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the associated political activity surrounding the Ram temple's construction. Political figures, including Congress leaders, have typically visited Hanuman Garhi instead of the Ram temple, reflecting the temple’s neutral stance in the ongoing political discourse.
With Mahant Prem Das’s decision to visit the Ram temple, his journey will likely have political reverberations, with various political groups keenly observing the shift in the temple’s approach. The Mahant’s action may signal a closer alignment between the religious traditions of Hanuman Garhi and the Ram temple movement.
The Future of Hanuman Garhi's Traditions
While the break from tradition is a monumental event, it is important to note that the Hanuman Garhi temple remains a symbol of deep reverence and religious devotion. As the ‘Kotwal’ (guardian) of Ayodhya, Lord Hanuman is seen as the protector of the city, and Hanuman Garhi continues to be a spiritual hub for devotees from all over India.
The breaking of the tradition by Mahant Prem Das does not mark the end of the temple’s sacred customs but rather an evolution in its practices. His visit to the Ram temple is seen by many as a fulfillment of a divine command, one that will usher in a new chapter in the temple’s history while still honoring its ancient traditions.
The historic visit of Mahant Prem Das from Hanuman Garhi to the Ram temple on Akshay Tritiya is not just a physical journey across 1.6 kilometers—it is a symbolic movement that transcends the boundaries of tradition, faith, and politics. As Mahant Prem Das embarks on this unprecedented journey, the eyes of devotees, political leaders, and historians alike will be fixed on Ayodhya, witnessing a moment that will be remembered for generations to come.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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