Ayodhya’s Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple chief priest, Acharya Satyendra Das, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 85, days after being hospitalised following a brain stroke. The senior priest, who had dedicated decades of his life to the service of Lord Ram, breathed his last at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow, where he was undergoing treatment. His disciple, Pradeep Das, confirmed the news of his demise.
Acharya Satyendra Das was admitted to the hospital on Sunday after suffering a severe stroke. According to medical authorities at SGPGI, his condition remained critical since his admission, and he was also battling diabetes and hypertension. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, the chief priest succumbed to his ailments, leaving behind a legacy deeply intertwined with the spiritual and historical significance of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
His mortal remains are being transported from Lucknow to Ayodhya, where his last rites will be performed on Thursday along the banks of the sacred Saryu river. The arrangements for his cremation are underway, and a large number of devotees and followers are expected to gather to pay their final respects.
Acharya Satyendra Das was one of the most revered figures in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement and held the position of chief priest at the temple for several decades. He played a crucial role in the temple’s religious and spiritual activities and was an integral part of significant ceremonies, including the Pran Pratistha of the Ram Lalla idol. Just last month, he actively participated in the first anniversary celebrations of the grand installation of the idol at the temple, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the service of Lord Ram and the devotees.
Condoling his demise, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow and called it an “irreparable loss.” He acknowledged Acharya Satyendra Das’s immense contribution to the temple and the Hindu faith and extended his sympathies to his disciples and devotees mourning the loss of the senior priest.
As Ayodhya prepares to bid farewell to one of its most respected religious figures, the passing of Acharya Satyendra Das marks the end of an era for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. His devotion and lifelong service will be remembered by millions of devotees who revere him as a guiding force in the temple’s spiritual journey.
