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, as per a statement from the hospital.

He was admitted to the hospital’s neurology ward on February 3 after suffering a brain stroke on February 2. Before this, he was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Ayodhya. Due to his critical condition, he was shifted to SGPGI for advanced care.

On February 4, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the hospital to check on Acharya Satyendra Das’s health.

A key figure in Ayodhya's history

Acharya Satyendra Das had a significant role in Ayodhya's temple history. He was the chief priest even during the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992. Before the structure was brought down, he moved the idols to a nearby temple, Fakire Mandir. After the demolition, he placed the idols in the makeshift temple at Ram Janmabhoomi.

Since the consecration ceremony of the newly built Ram Temple in Ayodhya, he had been serving as its chief priest. Just a month before his passing, on January 11, he celebrated the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, calling it “very beautiful.”

5 facts about Acharya Satyendra Das

  • Dedicated to spirituality: He chose the spiritual path at 20 and dedicated his life to religious service.
  • Health struggles: Apart from the brain stroke, he had diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Media presence: He was often approached by the media for insights on temple affairs in Ayodhya.
  • Hospitalisation: Initially treated in Ayodhya, he was later shifted to SGPGI for better medical care.
  • Featured in a documentary: He appeared in the 2024 documentary "The Battle of Ayodhya," which explored the Ayodhya dispute.

His passing marks the end of an era in Ayodhya’s temple history.

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