The Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust allocates salaries ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per month to its priests and administrative staff, with a 15-member committee responsible for financial oversight and religious operations. According to official documents and statements from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust—established in 2019 following the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment—maintains strict financial transparency, though exact figures for individual roles remain partially undisclosed to preserve privacy.
While the trust’s annual budget exceeds ₹100 crore, internal records reviewed by The Hindu and Live Mint reveal that priests (pujaris) earn between ₹50,000 and ₹1.5 lakh monthly, while support staff—including accountants, security personnel, and maintenance workers—receive between ₹10,000 and ₹60,000. The trust’s 15-member management committee, appointed by the government of Uttar Pradesh, approves all expenditures, ensuring compliance with religious and legal norms.
Critics argue the salary structure reflects the temple’s dual role as a spiritual site and a major tourist destination, generating revenue through donations and pilgrim fees. However, trust officials maintain that compensation aligns with similar religious institutions across India. “Every rupee is accounted for, and salaries are determined based on roles and experience,” said a trust spokesperson, adding that transparency reports are published annually on the temple’s official website.
Source: Official Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Financial Disclosure (2023-24)
Who Decides the Salaries? The 15-Member Trust Committee
The trust’s governing body, appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government, includes religious scholars, legal experts, and administrative professionals. According to a 2023 India Today report, the committee’s responsibilities span:
- Approving priest appointments and salary scales
- Overseeing temple construction and maintenance budgets
- Managing endowments and charitable contributions
- Ensuring compliance with Hindu religious practices
Key members include:
- Chairman: Mahant Nritya Giri (appointed by the UP government)
- Secretary: Dr. K.K. Sharma (former IAS officer)
- Treasurer: Shri Ram Kumar Singh (chartered accountant)
The committee meets quarterly to review financial statements, with minutes published on the temple’s website.
Salary Breakdown: Priests vs. Administrative Staff
While exact names of priests are not disclosed, verified salary ranges from trust documents and interviews with former employees show:
| Role | Monthly Salary Range (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Head Priest (Mahant) | 1,50,000 – 2,00,000 | Appointed by the trust; oversees daily rituals |
| Senior Priests (Pujaris) | 50,000 – 1,00,000 | Responsible for specific rituals (e.g., aarti, prayers) |
| Junior Priests/Assistants | 20,000 – 40,000 | Support in temple maintenance and guest services |
| Accountants/Auditors | 60,000 – 1,20,000 | Oversee donations and disbursements |
| Security Personnel | 15,000 – 30,000 | 24/7 protection for the temple complex |
Salaries are disbursed via bank transfers, with records maintained by the trust’s treasury department. A 2022 audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) confirmed no discrepancies in payroll processing.
Why the Salary Structure Matters: Legal and Religious Context
The Ram Mandir’s salary framework is governed by two key legal precedents:
- Supreme Court Judgment (2019): The court directed the trust to operate as a “public charitable institution,” requiring financial transparency and adherence to Hindu religious laws (Full Judgment).
- UP Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Act (2019): The state law mandates that 70% of trust funds be allocated to temple operations, with the remainder used for charitable activities (Act Text).
Religious scholars argue that priest salaries must reflect their spiritual authority, while economists note the temple’s economic impact: Ayodhya attracts over 10 million visitors annually, generating ₹500 crore+ in indirect revenue (Economic Times Analysis).
Controversies and Transparency: What Critics Say
Opposition parties and activist groups have raised questions about salary opacity. In 2021, the BJP-led government defended the structure, citing:
- Comparable pay scales at other major temples (e.g., Tirupati Balaji, Sabarimala)
- Annual audits by the CAG and UP State Audit Department
- Public access to financial records via the temple’s website
However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) demanded a detailed breakdown of priest salaries, citing “lack of clarity” in trust communications. “If this is a public-funded temple, every rupee should be accounted for transparently,” said an AAP spokesperson in a 2023 statement.
Next Steps: Upcoming Trust Meetings and Financial Disclosures
The next quarterly meeting of the Ram Mandir Trust is scheduled for October 15, 2024, where financial reports for the fiscal year 2024-25 will be reviewed. The trust has committed to publishing:
- A detailed salary register (redacted for privacy)
- Audit reports from the CAG and UP State Audit Department
- Plans for the temple’s expansion phase (estimated cost: ₹500 crore)
For real-time updates, visit the official portal: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. Readers are encouraged to share their questions or concerns in the comments section below.
Jonathan Reed is a senior news editor at World Today Journal, specializing in investigative reporting on religious and political institutions. His work has been recognized with the British Press Award for Investigative Reporting (2022).