Ayodhya, Oct 24 (IANS): The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has issued a notification on its official website for the appointment of archaks (priests) for the Ram Lalla temple.

Those interested, who should be in the age group of 20 to 30 years, can apply by emailing their applications to the Trust by October 31 at the latest. Candidates residing in the Ayodhya region will be given preference.

To ensure fairness in the selection process, the Trust has decided to take entrance tests. Candidates, who clear the test, must then undergo six months of training.

According to the Trust, during the training period the candidates will be given a stipend of Rs 2,000 per month. They will also be provided food and accommodation facilities.

Anil Mishra, a member of the trust, said that another criterion is that the applicants must have taken diksha in the Ramanandi tradition for at least six months and should have studied in the gurukul system of education.

The Trust will issue certificates to the candidates who complete the training successfully.

Only such candidates who have been issued certificates will be able to appear before the selection committee for final selection.

The Trust has also decided to constitute Shri Ram Sewa Vidhi Vidhan Samiti to look after the affairs related with the consecration ceremony and all religious events in the future related to the deity.

According to Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri, the Samiti will prepare the religious text according to which daily rituals of Ram Lalla will be performed.

The Ramanandi Sampradaya is one of the largest Hindu sects. Followers of this sect worship Lord Ram.

They are Vaishnavites and followers of Ramananda, a religious and social reformer of the 15th century.