How do you get a job at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya? Find out the entire process..

Ram Mandir Staff Recruitment Process: Ayodhya's Ram Mandir is currently a topic of discussion across the country and the world. Serious allegations regarding the theft of temple offerings and the misappropriation of donations have surfaced. Following a report by the UP government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) on this matter, swift action has been taken. Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr. Anil Mishra have resigned from their posts, while eight individuals associated with the temple's administration have been arrested. Amidst this major reshuffle and controversy, the question arises: how is the administration of such a grand Ram Mandir managed? How are priests, engineers, and other staff recruited? What is the selection process, and what are their salaries? Let us understand the entire process in simple terms.

Who manages the Ram Mandir?

The 'Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust' oversees all operations and accounts for every single penny regarding the Ram Mandir. The Trust bears full responsibility for everything—from temple rituals and security to cleanliness, management, and determining staff salaries. Following the recent controversy, the Trust is being restructured to make the administration more transparent and secure.

How does one become a priest at the Ram Mandir?

The recruitment process for priests to serve Ram Lalla is extremely rigorous and merit-based. It is not the case that just anyone can go and become a priest there; a formal notification is issued for the role. Interested candidates apply when the Trust announces vacancies. In the last recruitment drive (2023), approximately 3,000 candidates applied for a limited number of positions; of these, only 200 were shortlisted for interviews based on merit.

What happens in the subsequent stages?

A special panel conducts interviews with the shortlisted candidates at Karsevakpuram. This panel comprises prominent saints and scholars from across the country. The interview involves highly challenging questions regarding the rules of 'Sandhya Vandan' (ritual prayers), mantra chanting, religious rituals, and the specific worship protocols for Lord Ram. Upon passing the interview, the selected priest undergoes a six-month residential training program. They are trained based on a religious curriculum devised by eminent saints. During this period, accommodation and meals are provided free of cost, and they receive a monthly stipend of ₹2,000. After completing the training, candidates are appointed as priests to various roles within the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. Those who do not make the final list are awarded a certificate, ensuring they receive priority consideration should vacancies arise in the future.

**Salaries of Priests and Religious Staff**

The chief priest of the Ram Mandir receives a monthly salary of approximately ₹38,500. Assistant priests earn between ₹33,000 and ₹36,000 per month, depending on their position and experience. In addition to their salaries, both chief and assistant priests are provided with accommodation, meals, medical facilities, and a weekly day off.

**Recruitment of Non-Religious and Technical Staff**

The Ram Mandir complex encompasses more than just religious worship; a large number of professionals are required to manage logistics, construction, and technical operations. Direct recruitment drives are periodically conducted for the 'International Ram Katha Museum,' which operates under the Trust. Recently, applications were invited for engineering positions on a contract basis (initially for two years, extendable based on performance). Vacancies were announced for two Electrical, Electronic, or IT engineer posts and one Mechanical engineer post, open to degree or diploma holders. These positions offer a monthly salary ranging from ₹35,000 to ₹40,000, determined by the candidate's qualifications. How to Apply

Candidates are required to send their resume (CV) and necessary educational documents to the address 'Director's Office, International Ram Katha Museum, Naya Ghat, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh - 224123' within two weeks of the advertisement's release. Additionally, they must email their profile to recruitments.arks.srjbtk@gmail.com.

Management, Security, and Other Staff

Various categories of staff are employed to manage the temple's storerooms, the counting of donation box collections, and daily operations. Officials such as the *Kothari*, *Bhandari*, and store managers oversee the management of temple provisions and supplies; their monthly salaries range from ₹19,000 to ₹24,000. Staff for counting and verifying donations are hired through private agencies or on a contract basis, earning approximately ₹20,000 per month. Given a recent incident involving the theft of donation money, it is anticipated that security protocols and verification norms for the private agencies and staff responsible for counting donations will be significantly tightened.

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