Mohit Pandey, an MA (Acharya) student at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams-run Sri Venkateswara Vedic University (SVVU) in Tirupati, has been selected as one of the 50 priests for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Pandey's selection from among 3,000 candidates followed an exhaustive interview process.
Mahant Narayan Giri, head priest of Dudheshwar Nath temple and chief patron of Dudheshwar Ved Vidyalaya, expressed pride in Pandey's achievement, highlighting his 10-year training at their institution.
Pandey's educational journey, starting from Dudheshwar Ved Vidyapeeth in Ghaziabad to SVVU, where he pursued his BA (Sastri) and MA (Acharya) degrees, exemplifies his dedication. His upcoming PhD focuses on the religious and cultural aspects learned during his seven-year study at Dudheshwar Ved Vidyapeeth, spanning 23 years of Vedic instruction.
His selection for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir underscores the role of institutions like SVVU in producing qualified individuals for spiritual service. The Ram Mandir's construction is set for completion by December, culminating in a consecration ceremony on January 22, graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath.
Among over 3,000 applicants vying for 20 priest positions, Pandey, one of 200 shortlisted candidates, is undergoing rigorous six-month training. The final 20 chosen priests will carry specific responsibilities during the grand
consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla. Over 6,000 invitations have been dispatched nationwide for this momentous event, marking a significant chapter in the spiritual and cultural heritage of Ayodhya. Mohit Pandey's journey stands as a testament to his dedication, bridging his academic pursuits with a profound commitment to serve in this revered spiritual capacity at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.