Amid the ongoing controversy over alleged embezzlement of Prasad at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, another temple in Uttar Pradesh is in the news as an example of faith and communal harmony. In Gorakhpur’s Gorakhnath temple, a Muslim man has been involved in handling the finance and construction works of the temple for decades. During his long tenure, there have been no cases of financial irregularities in the accounts and budget maintained under his supervision.
**Decades of service to the temple**
Yasin Ansari is one of the most trusted people associated with Gorakhnath temple. He worked as the official cashier of the temple from 1977 to 1983. With time his responsibilities increased and now he works as the construction supervisor of the temple complex. In this role, he oversees construction accounts, keeps records of expenses, tracks the use of construction materials, and manages the project budget.
**Working with Yogi Adityanath**
Yasin Ansari is the chief priest of Gorakhnath temple and also trusted by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Whenever Yogi comes to Gorakhpur, he reviews the progress of development projects and construction works with Yasin Ansari. These discussions include budget, expenditure and ongoing infrastructure work in the temple complex.
**There is nothing wrong with their care**
In fact, during his nearly five decades of service, there has not been a single case of financial irregularities or accounting mistakes in the construction budgets, records or financial documents handled by him.
**Other Muslim families have also served the temple**
Yasin Ansari is not the only Muslim who is associated with Gorakhnath Math. Many Muslim families have served the temple in different roles for generations. Maan Mohammed looks after the temple’s big cow shed; Before him, his father had taken this responsibility. Similarly, Nisar Ahmed contributed as an engineer in the construction of essential buildings of the temple and its associated hospitals.