Mahakumh 2025: Who Keeps Records of the Priests of Prayag? Meet the Priest of Prayag’s Priests
Mahakumbh Nagar (UP) : The pilgrim priests (Pandas) of Tirthraj Prayag meticulously maintain the genealogical records of their patrons (Yajmans) scattered across the globe, spanning many generations. This raises a curious question: If the Pandas keep records for everyone, who keeps records for them? Who is their priest? Surprisingly, even the Pandas of Prayag have a priest who manages their rituals, keeps their records, and receives offerings from them.
Who Is the Priest of the Pandas?
Currently, the role of the priest for the Pandas of Prayag is performed by Mohan Ji Haranya and his family. The 82-year-old resident of Baski Khurd, Daraganj, shares, “There was a time when the Pandas of Prayag faced the question: We conduct rituals and keep records for everyone, but who will perform our rituals? Consequently, Brahmins were invited from afar to fulfill this need.”
Mohan Haranya explains, “Two families from the Gautam and Bharadwaj gotras of Gaud Brahmins came to Prayag from Sagar Raj Lal Dora in Jind district, Haryana. Today, the members of these two families continue to serve as the priests of Prayag’s Pandas.”
Changing Times
According to Haranya Ji, “The role of priests is no longer as significant as it was in earlier times. A priest was traditionally seen as someone who worked for the welfare of others – a guardian who stood by his Yajman (patron) in both good and bad times. However, times have changed. While the older generation still respects priests, it’s unfortunate that the younger generation is moving away from these traditions and values.”
Record-Keeping for Patrons
Haranya Ji shares, “Our patrons are the Pandas of Prayag. While the Pandas maintain records of millions of their Yajmans, we, in turn, keep records of these Pandas.” However, he acknowledges that the traditional methods of maintaining these records are not as robust as they once were.
Passing the Baton to the Next Generation
Haranya Ji’s two sons, Jitendra Kumar Gaud and Surendra Kumar Gaud, are now helping their father manage the responsibilities of a priest. Surendra Kumar Gaud says, “We are currently in the process of organizing and preserving the records of our patrons. It will take some time, but this work is being systematically recorded now.”
Surendra further adds, “The government should provide financial assistance to priests to make the task of preserving records more manageable. These records are not just personal details but an essential part of our cultural heritage, reflecting not only the lineage of families but also the evolution of our civilization and culture.”
Preserving Tradition
Pandit Amit Alok Pandey, the state president of the Tirth Purohit Mahasangh, remarks, “We don’t have an exact date for when our priests settled here, but this tradition has been ongoing for centuries. Our priests are our guardians and an integral part of our heritage.”
This tradition of keeping genealogical records by the priests of Prayag and their priests highlights a unique and vital aspect of India’s cultural legacy.