A change of guard in the Ram temple’s management – from the traditional system of sadhus and mahants to the central government nominated trust – has triggered perhaps an unforeseen succession battle over the claim of the right to conduct worship. After all, it’s the first time in Ayodhya’s history that the keys of a temple as grand are not fully in the hands of the saffron-cloaked.
While the sant samaaj in Ayodhya is enthused about the Ram temple, there is disquiet too – about the new idol, the priest leading the ceremony, the process of appointment, and the sidelining of prominent seers part of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement – with more powers to Sangh Parivar members and retired government officials comprising the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust.
