LUCKNOW: Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, passed away in Lucknow on Wednesday morning after a prolonged illness and old age-related medical issues.
Acharya Satyendra Das, 83, was admitted to Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) on February 3 in critical condition after suffering a brain stroke on February 2.
“Satendra Das ji, chief Priest of Ram Mandir, Ayodhya , breathed his last today. He was admitted to HDU (High Dependency Unit) of the Neurology ward on February 3 with a stroke in critical condition,” the hospital said.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath visited SGPGIMS on February 4 to inquire about the health of the chief priest.
Acharya Satyendra Das had been serving the Ram Lalla for a long time even when the deity was seated in the makeshift temple on Ram Janmabhoomi premises during the vexed Ramjnabhoomi-Babari Masjid issue.
He was the chief priest even on the day when the disputed structure was demolished by a frenzied mob of karsewaks in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. He had shifted the idols to the nearby Fakire Mandir before the demolition and after the demolition, he placed the idols in the makeshift temple at Ram Janmabhoomi.
Since the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla in the sanctum sanctorum of the new upcoming Temple on Janmabhoomi premises in Ayodhya following the Supreme Court order of November 9, 2019, Satyendra Das had been serving as its chief priest.
Acharya Satyendra Das had led the celebrations of the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ayodhya Temple on January 11.
In fact, Acharya Satyendra Das embarked upon the spiritual path at the age of 20, dedicating his life to religious service.
Before suffering a brain stroke, he was battling serious health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Known for his accessibility, Acharya Satyendra Das was frequently sought after by the media for insights on temple developments and religious affairs in Ayodhya. Acharya Satyendra Das had featured in the 2024 documentary series "The Battle of Ayodhya," which explores the Ayodhya dispute.