Acharya Satyendra Das, Chief Priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Passes Away

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, passed away at the age of 83. He breathed his last at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow, where he was undergoing treatment for a brain stroke suffered on February 2. Admitted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the Neurology ward on February 3, his condition remained critical. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had visited the hospital on February 4 to check on his health.

A prominent spiritual figure, Acharya Satyendra Das played a crucial role in the history of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He was the chief priest of the temple even on December 6, 1992, when the Babri Masjid was demolished. In a significant act, he relocated the idols to the nearby Fakire Mandir before the demolition and later placed them in the makeshift temple at the disputed site. His dedication to the temple remained unwavering, and he continued his service as the chief priest even after the consecration of the new Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Acharya Satyendra Das dedicated his life to religious service, embarking on his spiritual journey at the young age of 20. Besides his deep involvement in temple activities, he was a well-known figure in the media, often sought after for his insights on religious affairs in Ayodhya. His accessibility and willingness to share knowledge made him a respected voice in the community. Despite battling health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure, he remained committed to his spiritual responsibilities until the very end.

His contributions to Ayodhya’s religious and historical landscape were also recognized in media productions. He featured in the 2024 documentary series The Battle of Ayodhya, which explored the decades-long dispute over the temple site. Just a month before his passing, he celebrated the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the newly built Ram Temple on January 11, calling it a “very beautiful” occasion. His demise marks the end of an era for the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and unwavering commitment to his faith.

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