Acharya Satyendra Das, Chief Priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Passes Away at 83

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, passed away at 83 at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow. The institute confirmed his passing in an official statement.

He was admitted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the Neurology ward on February 3, following a brain stroke on February 2. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited SGPGIMS on February 4 to check his condition.

A revered figure in the temple’s history, Acharya Satyendra Das had been the chief priest even during the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, 1992. Before the structure was brought down, he relocated the idols to the nearby Fakire Mandir. After the demolition, he placed them in a makeshift temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi site.

Following the consecration of the new Ram Temple in Ayodhya, he continued to serve as the chief priest. Most recently, on January 11, he led the celebrations marking the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, describing the event as “very beautiful.”

5 Key Aspects of Acharya Satyendra Das’s Life

1. Early Spiritual Journey: He embraced asceticism at the age of 20 and dedicated his life to religious service.
2. Health Struggles: He suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure, in addition to a recent brain stroke.
3. Media Presence: Recognized for his openness, he was frequently sought by the media for insights on temple matters and religious affairs.
4. Medical Treatment: Initially admitted to a private hospital in Ayodhya, he was later transferred to SGPGIMS in Lucknow for advanced care.
5. Documentary Feature: He appeared in the 2024 documentary The Battle of Ayodhya, which delves into the Ayodhya dispute.

Acharya Satyendra Das’s passing marks the end of an era in the religious and historical landscape of Ayodhya. His contributions to the temple and the spiritual fabric of the city will be remembered for generations.