ABSTRACT
As reported in the Sri Math Trust Registration Act, Ramnaresacarya's abhiseka as Jagadguru Ramanandacarya in the Sri Math was held on January 11, 1988, which coincided with the Sri Math's celebration of the Ramananda Jayanti. To be the head of the Sri Math, a Ramanandi has to possess characteristics that qualify him as a Sri Sampradayacarya, someone who can be in charge of the Math and act properly in the role of Jagadguru for the sampradaya. The Jagadguru gives the idea of a unified sampradaya by surrounding himself with Ramanandis from various branches and supporting various centers, both in Varanasi and other places. Ayodhya is one of the most important Ramanandi centers; therefore to receive the support of Ramanandis residing there is an important part of establishing one's religious authority. The seva that devotees are assigned to carry out during their stay in the Jagadguru's asram seems to vary according to the level of economic support they provide.
