On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on 30 April in Ayodhya, a historical moment will be witnessed. When Mahant Prem Das, the chief priest of Hanumangarhi temple, will go out of the temple premises for the first time and visit the Ram temple. This 1.6 km journey will break the tradition that has been going on for 300 years, in which 'Gaddi Nasheen' was never allowed to leave the temple complex.
The 70 -year -old Mahant Prem Das of Hanumangarhi will not only be a religious festival towards the Ram temple, but will also add a new chapter in the history of Ayodhya. The eyes of devotees and local residents will remain on this unique journey.
The 'Gaddi Nashin' of Hanumangarhi was never allowed to go out of the temple premises from the establishment of the temple (18th century). This tradition was so harsh that the Mahants were also forbidden to appear in the courts. According to Prajwal Singh, a resident of Ayodhya, this tradition was created to protect the prestige and religion of the temple.
Mahant Prem Das had told his disciples for several months that he was seeing Lord Hanuman in his dream and he is ordering him to visit Ram temple. Taking this Swapnadesh seriously, he informed the Panchs of Nirvani Arena about his wish. The Panchs unanimously sidelined the tradition and allowed them to travel.
Mahant Ramkumar Das, the head of Nirvani Akhara, said that on April 30, on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, Gaddi Nasheen Mahant Prem Das ji will lead a grand Shobha Yatra. Elephants, camels, horses will be included in this journey and the 'mark' (flag) of the arena will also be taken. The yatra will take a bath on the banks of the Saryu river at 7 am, after which Ramlala will move towards the temple.
Naga Sadhu, his disciples, local businessmen and thousands of devotees will be part of this grand event along with Mahant Prem Das. This procession that came out in the streets of Ayodhya will present a wonderful confluence of devotion, tradition and history.
