Ayodhya Ram Temple Tightens Security, Pocketless Saffron Uniforms Made Mandatory For Donation Counting Staff

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, responsible for the Ayodhya Ram temple, has implemented stricter security measures and new guidelines for handling donations at the revered site. To enhance internal security and prevent unauthorized handling of donations, the trust has introduced a mandatory pocketless saffron uniform for employees involved in counting offerings.

These employees, numbering 36 in total, will undergo security checks upon entering and exiting the counting room. The counting process, which occurs in two shifts, involves personnel from the temple trust, temple employees, and an outsourced agency.

A three-tier security system has been established at the entrance to the counting room, with CCTV cameras installed to monitor the facility continuously. The trust's new CEO, retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra, has issued directives to clarify roles and responsibilities of employees, ensuring accountability in the event of any lapse.

Simultaneously, the trust has introduced new guidelines for temple priests. Priests are now required to wear a yellow silk achala and uttariya, along with a dhoti, replacing the previous chaubandi attire. They are prohibited from carrying mobile phones into the sanctum and are advised against making misleading statements about the temple on social media. Discipline, courteous behavior with devotees, and maintaining assigned locations are emphasized in the guidelines.

The trust has also restricted items allowed inside the sanctum, allowing only bhog prasad provided by the temple. Priests are prohibited from bringing any outside material inside the sanctum, with any deviation held accountable. Special assistance to family members or acquaintances is permitted only under the direction of the acharya or authorized personnel.