SRI RAM CHANDRA RAGHUNATHJI BIRAJMAN MANDIR Vs. BARADRAJ

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is plaintiffs' appeal. The following pedigree serves to elucidate the relevant facts of the case: - -

(2.) SRI Ram Chandra Raghunathji is a deity installed in a temple situate in Mohalla Bajaria, Bareilly. According to the plaintiffs the deity was installed over a century ago. Smt. Ramdei (widow of Nandram) dedicated nine biswas of zamindari property to the deity. Later, under a registered waqfnama dated April 14, 1866 she dedicated remaining one biswas besides other properties to the deity. Maharaj Dharnidhar was made the Sarvarakar. It was also provided that subsequent to Maharaj Dharnidhar; the Mahant will be "Virakt Jeehaq".

(3.) THE defendant resisted the suit. He pleaded that Basudeo Ramanujdas had made him chela on Ram Navami, 1946. Upon the death of the Guru, he succeeded him formally on May 11, 1951 at a ceremony held for the purpose. He is 'Virakt Jeehaq'. Ever since he has been the Sarvarakar and in management of the properties as such. It is refuted that Ram Bharosey Lal is Sarvarakar or that he has had any interest. It is claimed also by the defendant that he is Vaishnav of Ramanuj Sampradaya and is named Baradraj Ramanujdas.