Junagadh: After the demise of Mahant Tansukhgiri of Ambaji Temple on Mount Girnar, a dispute arose over the succession of the temple’s Mahant seat. Amid accusations and counter-accusations among Girnar’s saints, the Junagadh District Collector has handed over the administration of the Ambaji Temple to the Mamlatdar. Until a permanent Mahant is appointed for the Guru Dattatreya Temple, Ambaji Temple, and Bhidbhanjan Temple, the Mamlatdar will serve as the interim administrator.

Disputes over the Mahant post escalated following Tansukhgiri Bapu’s passing, involving Mahant Harigiri of Bhavnath and Mahant Maheshgiri of Bhutnath. Accusations and political interference complicated the matter, even before Tansukhgiri Bapu’s samadhi rituals were performed. To resolve the ongoing tensions among the saints, the state government directed the District Collector to appoint the Junagadh City Mamlatdar as administrator for the Ambaji Temple, Gurudattatreya Dutt Shikhar, and Bhidbhanjan Temple.

The Junagadh Mamlatdar, now in charge, will manage the temples until a new Mahant is appointed. Tansukhgiri Bapu, who became Mahant in 1983, served until his passing. The process to appoint a new Mahant has begun, with applications to be invited as per government norms. Once verified, a permanent Mahant will be selected. Until then, administrative duties will remain with the Mamlatdar.

Junagadh District Collector Anil Ranavasia stated that the Mamlatdar will serve as interim administrator of the three religious sites until the appointment process is completed. The government has assured a fair and transparent selection procedure, with all applications undergoing strict scrutiny. DeshGujarat

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