Jagdish Aphale is the newly appointed Secretary of the Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust as of July 2026. His journey is remarkable because he moved from a long corporate career abroad to dedicating his life to temple service in Ayodhya. Aphale, who is well-known for his self-control, integrity, and strong moral principles, has established himself as a reliable manager of one of India’s most significant religious initiatives.
Born in Pune, Maharashtra, and educated at IIT Bombay, he spent many years working in Europe and the United States before returning to India. In 2019, after the Supreme Court verdict on the Ram Temple, he chose to settle in Ayodhya and volunteer his skills for the temple’s construction. His appointment as Secretary in 2026 came at a crucial time when the Trust needed a leader who could restore transparency and faith.
Jagdish Aphale Age, Career, Family, Wiki, Parents
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jagdish Aphale |
| Profession | Engineer, Temple Administrator |
| Current Position | Secretary of Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust (appointed September 2026) |
| Known For | Lead Engineer & Project Manager of Ram Temple construction |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly available |
| Birthplace | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Education | B.Tech. & M.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from IIT Bombay |
| Career Background | Worked in multinational companies in Europe and the United States |
| Association | Long-time member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) |
| Move to Ayodhya | 2019, after Supreme Court verdict on Ram Temple |
| Temple Role (2023) | Honorary Project Manager and Lead Engineer (volunteered without salary) |
| Secretary Appointment | 2 September 2026, after resignation of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra |
| Wife | Madhuri Aphale |
| Residence | Teerth Kshetra Bhavan, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh |
Early Life and Background
Jagdish Aphale was born in Pune, Maharashtra, a city known for its rich cultural and spiritual traditions. Growing up in Pune, he was surrounded by an environment that valued discipline, education, and devotion. His family background played a key role in shaping his values, and he carried those lessons with him throughout his life.
Unlike many who enter public life through politics or activism, Aphale’s journey was rooted in education and professional excellence. His early years were marked by a strong focus on academics, and he quickly developed an interest in engineering.
Education Journey
Aphale’s academic journey took him to one of India’s most prestigious institutions—IIT Bombay. He completed his B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering, followed by an M.Tech., establishing himself as a bright student with a sharp technical mind. His time at IIT was not just about academics; it also exposed him to leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that would later define his career.
Studying at IIT Bombay gave Aphale the opportunity to interact with some of the best minds in the country. He learned how to approach challenges with logic and discipline, qualities that became central to his professional and personal life. His education laid the foundation for a successful career in engineering, but it also gave him the confidence to take on larger responsibilities in the future.
Professional Career
After completing his education at IIT Bombay, Jagdish began a long and successful career in engineering. He worked with multinational companies and was based in Europe and the United States for many years. His projects often involved large-scale electrical and infrastructure work, where precision and discipline were essential.
Colleagues remember him as someone who was deeply committed to his work. He was known for his ability to manage complex projects and deliver results on time. His corporate career gave him exposure to international standards of engineering and management.
Association with RSS
Aphale’s connection with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) goes back several decades. Even while working abroad, he maintained his ties with the organization. The RSS is known for its emphasis on discipline, service, and cultural values, and Aphale’s life reflected these principles.
It was through the RSS network that his name was suggested for the Ram Temple project. His reputation as a disciplined professional and his long-standing association with the Sangh made him a natural choice. The RSS trusted him to bring both technical knowledge and moral integrity to the temple work.
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Transition to Ayodhya
In 2019, after retiring from his corporate career, Aphale made a life-changing decision. He moved permanently to Ayodhya, just after the Supreme Court verdict cleared the way for the construction of the Ram Temple. For him, this was not just a professional opportunity but a spiritual calling.
Settling in Ayodhya meant leaving behind the comforts of city life and dedicating himself fully to temple service. He chose to live at Teerth Kshetra Bhavan, close to the temple site, and became deeply involved in the day-to-day work.
Role in Temple Construction
By 2023, Aphale was appointed as the Honorary Project Manager and Lead Engineer for the Ram Temple. He was part of a four-member senior engineering team that supervised every stage of construction. From digging the foundation to building the plinth and overseeing the final structure, he played a central role.
What made his contribution unique was that he worked voluntarily, without taking any salary. His focus was on ensuring that the temple was built with precision and strength. He applied his engineering knowledge to make sure the structure would last for centuries.
Appointment as Secretary (2026)
The year 2026 was a turning point for the Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust. After allegations of donation mismanagement, senior leaders Champat Rai and Anil Mishra stepped down from their posts. The Trust needed someone with integrity and a clean record to restore public confidence. That is when the name of Jagdish Aphale was proposed.
On 2 September 2026, his appointment as Secretary was officially approved. The proposal came from Krishna Mohan, who was serving as interim general secretary. Aphale’s new role gave him authority over daily administration, financial transactions, and joint signatory powers.
Personal Life
Behind his professional achievements, Jagdish has a strong family support system. His wife, Madhuri Aphale, has been a constant companion in his journey. She is known to actively support him in administrative and organizational matters related to the temple. Together, they live a simple life at Teerth Kshetra Bhavan in Ayodhya, close to the temple site.
The couple’s lifestyle reflects their values—discipline, devotion, and service. Despite his high-profile role, Aphale has kept his personal life private, focusing instead on his responsibilities. His wife’s involvement shows that the temple work is not just his duty but a shared commitment of the family.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- He is an IIT Bombay alumnus with both B.Tech. and M.Tech. degrees.
- He worked in Europe and the United States during his corporate career.
- He moved to Ayodhya in 2019 after the Supreme Court verdict.
- He volunteered without salary for the temple’s construction.
- His wife, Madhuri Aphale, actively supports his temple work.
- He became Secretary during a sensitive period of financial investigations.
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