The  Ayodhya's Ram Temple trust, Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra, has announced receiving 3,000 applications for just 20 priest positions.

As the inauguration date of the temple is coming closer (January 22, 2024), the staff of the temple trust are making every effort to ensure the temple is ready to welcome devotees within the given time.

On Monday, October 21, an official from the Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra mentioned that they've selected 200 candidates from 3,000 applications for the interview, according to PTI news agency.

"What is ‘Sandhya Vandan,’ what are its procedures and what are the ‘mantras’ for this worship? What are the ‘mantras’ for worshipping Lord Ram and what are ‘karma kand’ for this?… all these types of questions were asked to the candidates who had come for the interview,” commented Govind Dev Giri from PTI.

The selected candidates will face interviews at Karsevak Puram, the headquarters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Ayodhya. A three-member panel, consisting of a Hindu preacher from Vrindavan, and two main priests from Ayodhya, has the responsibility to make the final hiring decisions.

The selected priests won't merely start their spiritual responsibilities without preparation. They'll go through an intensive six-month residential training, where they'll be under the guidance of top seers and follow an expertly prepared syllabus.

During their training period, priest candidates will have all their needs taken care of, with free food, lodging, and a modest stipend of Rs 2,000 ($24) per month. 

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