In the sacred land of Bhagwan Sri Ram, amidst the newly constructed grand Mandir, lies a unique institution that transcends the realms of conventional banking. The International Shree Sitaram Bank, established in November 1970 by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the chief of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Theertha Kshetra Trust, stands as a beacon of spiritual enrichment and devotion. With over 35,000 account-holders across India and abroad, including countries like the US, UK, Canada, Nepal, Fiji, and the UAE, this spiritual bank has garnered attention worldwide.
The ethos of this bank revolves around the principles of spirituality, inner peace, and faith. Unlike traditional banks, where monetary transactions rule the roost, here, the only currency is the repetition of the divine name “Sitaram.” To open an account, one must inscribe “Sitaram” at least 5 lakh times, an act considered as a form of prayer and devotion. Once accomplished, a passbook is issued, symbolising not wealth accumulation but rather the accumulation of spiritual merit.
Puneet Ram Das Maharaj, the manager of the bank, elucidates on the increasing footfall post the consecration ceremony of the grand Mandir. “The devotees find solace and profound spiritual enrichment in writing, chanting, and reminiscing Bhagwan Sri Ram’s name,” he affirms. Indeed, the act of writing “Sitaram” is believed to bestow inner peace and virtue upon the devotees, akin to visiting Mandirs and performing traditional prayers.
The bank, with its 136 branches across India and abroad, serves as a custodian of spiritual wealth. Devotees not only visit the branches but also send their “Sitaram” booklets via post, adding to the bank’s vast repository of spiritual currency. Jeetu Nagar, a devout visitor from Gaya, Bihar, shares his unwavering faith in this practice, considering it as his sole form of prayer. “Instead of praying at a Mandir, I practise this and it has always worked for me whenever I have felt low or have been in trouble,” he reveals.
Suman Das, another ardent account holder from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, echoes similar sentiments. “Whenever I do the writing, I feel lighter, and I feel that my prayers are being listened to,” he professes. Such testimonies reaffirm the profound impact of this spiritual endeavour on the lives of its practitioners.
The significance of writing “Sitaram” extends beyond mere devotion; it is believed that by inscribing the divine name 84 lakh times, one can attain ‘Moksha’ or liberation. This lofty spiritual goal further underscores the depth of the practice embraced by the devotees.
Amidst the consecration ceremony of the grand Mandir, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the “Pran Pratishtha (consecration),” millions of devotees across the globe witnessed the historic event. In the backdrop of this monumental occasion, the International Shree Sitaram Bank continues to uphold its sacred mission of fostering spiritual growth and enlightenment.
As the world witnesses the convergence of faith, devotion, and spirituality in Ayodhya, the International Shree Sitaram Bank stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Shri Ram and the eternal quest for inner peace and salvation. In this hallowed institution, where spirituality reigns supreme, the devotees find solace, faith, and a sense of profound fulfilment, transcending the boundaries of earthly wealth to attain the wealth of the soul.
