KKN Gurugram Desk | As the construction of new temples continues within the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya, the need for more trained priests has become apparent. Currently, there are 18 temples within the Ram Mandir complex, with only 20 priests serving these temples. This disparity has led the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to announce the recruitment of new priests through an extensive training program. The training will not only provide selected youths with accommodation and meals but also a monthly stipend. Let’s take a detailed look at the application process, eligibility criteria, and the benefits of this training program.

Growing Number of Temples at Ram Mandir Complex

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has seen rapid development with the continuous construction of new temples within the complex. Currently, there are 18 temples in the complex, and more are expected to be built in the near future. However, the number of priests currently available to perform rituals and services is limited to only 20. This gap in the number of trained priests has created the need for additional personnel to maintain the religious sanctity of these temples.

To address this issue, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to launch a second batch of priest training. This initiative is designed to ensure that the growing number of temples has sufficient trained priests to perform regular rituals, maintain spiritual traditions, and preserve the religious values that are at the heart of the Ram Mandir complex.

Training Program Details: Application Process and Eligibility

The priest training program is a significant step in preparing a new generation of priests who will be responsible for performing daily rituals, prayers, and other religious duties at the Ram Mandir and its associated temples. The application process for the second batch of training will begin on June 26, 2025, and the final date for submission is June 30, 2025. The application process will be conducted online, and interested candidates must submit their applications through the official portal.

To be eligible for the training program, applicants must have at least five years of experience in Gurukul education. This prerequisite ensures that the selected candidates already possess a foundational understanding of religious practices, which will be further enhanced through the specialized training provided by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Once the selection process is completed, the training program will commence next month, with a focus on enhancing the skills of the priests to meet the increasing demands of the Ram Mandir complex.

Benefits of the Priest Training Program

This training program offers several key benefits to the selected candidates. Apart from religious education, the selected youths will receive residential training for six months. This will include lodging, meals, and all the necessary resources required to undergo rigorous spiritual and practical training.

The first batch of trainees was given a stipend of ₹2,000 per month, but there are indications that the stipend may be increased for this new batch. This enhancement is aimed at encouraging more youths to apply and participate in this religious training initiative.

After completing the theoretical training, the selected candidates will undergo practical training, which will involve performing rituals at the Ram Darbar, Sheshavatar, and other temples within the complex. This hands-on experience will prepare them to manage the daily responsibilities of temple rituals effectively. The trust will provide all necessary accommodations and food during this period, ensuring that the trainees can focus solely on their spiritual development and temple duties.

This initiative is not just about providing employment; it is a significant step toward maintaining the religious sanctity and cultural heritage of the Ram Mandir complex. By training young priests, the program ensures that future generations will continue to uphold the religious practices that are central to the temple’s mission.

Current Priest Count and Need for New Recruits

At present, there are only 20 priests serving across the 18 temples, including the Ram Lalla temple, Ram Darbar, Sheshavatar, Kubereswar Mahadev, and others. These priests were initially involved in the consecration of the idols and are now working tirelessly to maintain the sanctity of the rituals. However, with the increasing number of temples and the growing frequency of daily rituals, the workload on the existing priests has become overwhelming.

The situation became more pressing after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony held on June 5, 2025, which led to more regular and structured worship services. Given the expanding responsibilities and the heightened number of temple rituals, it became clear that new recruits were necessary to manage the daily worship schedule effectively.

The temples require enough priests to handle morning, afternoon, and evening prayers, and the growing demand for trained priests has prompted the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to take swift action in recruiting and training additional staff.

The Significance of the Program Beyond Employment

While the primary goal of the program is to train more priests for the Ram Mandir complex, its significance goes beyond just providing employment opportunities. This initiative is a vital part of ensuring that the religious practices at the temple remain consistent and traditional, in line with the spiritual values associated with the Ram Mandir.

By creating a structured system for priest training, the trust is investing in the long-term sustainability of the temple’s religious functions. It will also preserve the traditional practices that are deeply rooted in the temple’s history, ensuring that the sanctity of the Ram Mandir is maintained for generations to come.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Online Application: Interested candidates can visit the official website of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to fill out their applications. The portal will provide detailed instructions for submitting the required documents and information.

2. Eligibility Check: Ensure that you meet the minimum eligibility requirement of five years of Gurukul education experience.

3. Selection Process: After reviewing the applications, the selection process will take place based on religious knowledge, experience, and the overall suitability of the candidate.

4. Training Commencement: The training will begin in July 2025, with both theoretical and practical components.

5. Stipend and Benefits: Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend, accommodation, and meals during the training period, which will span six months.

The growing number of temples within the Ram Mandir complex and the increasing number of daily rituals have highlighted the urgent need for well-trained priests to manage religious services. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s new priest training program is a vital step in meeting this demand and ensuring that the temple’s sacred rituals continue smoothly.

This initiative not only provides a pathway for employment for young individuals but also plays a crucial role in preserving the religious traditions of the Ram Mandir complex. As more temples are constructed and the number of devotees continues to grow, the need for qualified priests will only increase, making this training program an essential part of the temple’s future operations.