KKN Gurugram Desk | The Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust has made an important decision regarding the position of the chief priest of the temple. In a major development, the trust has announced that, in honor of the late Acharya Satyendra Das, the position of the chief priest will no longer be filled. This decision follows the unfortunate demise of Acharya Satyendra Das, who had previously held this revered position.

Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust’s Major Decision

The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, headed by General Secretary Champat Rai, made this announcement regarding the absence of a single chief priest at the Ram Temple. The move comes after the death of Acharya Satyendra Das, who had been the temple’s chief priest for several years. In a respectful gesture, the Trust decided that no one would replace Acharya Satyendra Das in this role.

According to the Trust’s General Secretary, Champat Rai, this decision was made in consultation with Acharya Satyendra Das before his passing. The late priest had agreed to the decision that, following his demise, no one would occupy the prestigious position of the main priest. This decision has been communicated to all concerned parties in the temple management and the Trust.

Achievements of the Ram Mandir Trust: Five Years of Progress

During the latest meeting of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which was held at the Maniramdas Chawni in Ayodhya, the trust also presented a report on its finances and activities. The meeting was chaired by Mahant Nrityagopal Das, the President of the Trust.

According to the report, in the last five years, the Trust has spent an astounding ₹2,150 crore for various purposes related to the temple and its surroundings. Out of this, a significant ₹1,200 crore has been spent solely on the construction of the Ram Mandir itself. This reflects the enormous scale of the construction project and the commitment of the Trust in realizing the dream of a grand temple for Lord Ram at his birthplace in Ayodhya.

The Trust also highlighted the taxes and other financial contributions made to the government over the last five years. It was reported that the Trust has paid a total of ₹400 crore in taxes to the government. These taxes include ₹272 crore as Goods and Services Tax (GST), ₹39 crore as Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), ₹14 crore for labor cess, and approximately ₹7.4 crore for the Provident Fund (PF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI). The Trust also paid ₹4 crore for insurance policies related to the temple construction.

Extending the Temple Construction Deadline

In the meeting, the Trust also discussed the construction timeline for the Ram Mandir. The deadline for the completion of the temple’s construction, initially set for April 2025, has now been extended to June 2025. This extension was granted to ensure the quality and completion of the temple to the highest standards.

The Trust acknowledged the challenges faced in the temple construction, including the scale of the project, the need for precision in design and construction, and the ongoing efforts to preserve the sanctity of the site. The extension will allow for a more thorough and detailed completion of the work, ensuring that every aspect of the temple is built with the utmost care and respect for its religious significance.

Financial Contributions and Government Payments

Since its formation in February 2020, the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has been responsible for the construction and management of the Ram Mandir project. Over the last five years, the Trust has made substantial financial contributions to the government, totaling ₹396 crore in payments to various government agencies.

These payments include ₹272 crore as GST, ₹39 crore as TDS, ₹14 crore as labor cess, and ₹7.4 crore for PF and ESI contributions. Additionally, the Trust has paid ₹4 crore for insurance policies related to the temple construction.

The Ram Janmabhoomi project has not only been a religious and cultural milestone but also a major contributor to the country’s economy, with the Trust making significant financial contributions over the years. These payments have helped support government initiatives and ensure that the temple’s construction aligns with legal and financial regulations.

Future Prospects of the Ram Mandir Project

As the construction of the Ram Mandir continues, there are several key aspects of the project that will shape its future. The decision to not appoint a chief priest in honor of Acharya Satyendra Das is just one example of the Trust’s commitment to maintaining the sanctity and historical significance of the temple. This gesture reflects the Trust’s deep respect for Acharya Satyendra Das and his legacy as the chief priest.

The extension of the construction deadline to June 2025 also reflects the dedication of the Trust to ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship and devotion in the temple’s construction. The Trust is focused on completing the temple in a way that reflects the grandeur and spiritual importance of the site.

With the temple’s completion on the horizon, the Trust’s efforts to manage and oversee the construction project will continue to be a significant point of interest for both devotees and the general public. The Ram Mandir project is not just a religious endeavor but also a testament to the collective will of millions of people who have supported the project over the years.

Implications for Ayodhya and India’s Cultural Heritage

The construction of the Ram Mandir holds immense cultural and religious significance for India. It is seen as a victory for millions of Hindus who have long awaited the restoration of a temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram. The project has also been a point of pride for many devotees who have donated their time, effort, and resources to make this dream a reality.

In addition to its religious importance, the Ram Mandir project has economic implications for Ayodhya and the surrounding areas. The construction process has created thousands of jobs and boosted the local economy. The temple, once completed, is expected to become a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of visitors from across India and around the world.

The decision to extend the construction deadline ensures that the temple will be completed to the highest standards, making it a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage. As one of the most important religious landmarks in India, the Ram Mandir will play a central role in the country’s spiritual and cultural landscape for generations to come.

The recent developments at the Ram Mandir project, including the decision to honor Acharya Satyendra Das by not appointing a new chief priest and the extension of the construction timeline, reflect the ongoing commitment of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to ensure the successful completion of this historic and culturally significant project. The financial contributions made by the Trust, along with the transparent management of funds, demonstrate the seriousness and dedication with which the temple is being built.

As the completion date approaches, the Ram Mandir will stand not only as a religious symbol but also as a cultural monument of immense historical importance. The Trust’s efforts to manage the construction and honor the legacy of those who have contributed to the project ensure that the temple will be a fitting tribute to Lord Ram and his devotees.