Who Was Acharya Satyendra Das Ayodhya Chief Priest Who Passed Away at 83

Acharya Satyendra Das who headed the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya as its lead priest passed away aged 83 years at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow. He breathed his last on Wednesday following multiple health complications which involved high blood pressure and diabetes and a stroke. A severe stroke hit Acharya Das on February 2, following which he was hospitalised. He was undergoing treatment at the Neurology ward’s High Dependency Unit (HDU) until his death.

Acharya’s involvement in Ram Janmabhoomi Temple

The spiritual service to which Acharya Satyendra Das had dedicated his entire life started when he was 20-years-old. For three decades he devoted himself to Lord Ram while being a member of the Nirvani Akhara. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple was critically important for Acharya Das where he served during the time before the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. The rising tensions on December 6, 1992, led Acharya Das to move the Lord Ram statues to Fakire Mandir until the
demolition was completed.

Acharya Satyendra Das maintained his position as the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple’s chief priest for the longest time even after the temple’s consecration ceremony. The temple visitors and media sought his insight into religious matters because of his inspiring spiritual leadership quality which earned him respect in Ayodhya. Last month, he celebrated one year of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony honouring the Ram Lalla idol.

Deteriorating health didn’t stop him from working

Acharya’s deteriorating health did not stop him from actively being present at religious ceremonies and overseeing temple rituals. Due to his profound spiritual wisdom and unwavering dedication to Lord Ram, he received great respect from people at all levels.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who had visited Acharya Das in the hospital, expressed his profound sorrow at the loss, calling it an “irreparable loss” to the spiritual world. CM Adityanath
prayed for Acharya Das’s soul to find a place at Lord Ram’s feet and offered condolences to his followers and disciples.

Ayodhya mourns his death

Acharya Satyendra Das’ final rites will take place along the sacred Saryu River in Ayodhya which holds spiritual importance. The passing of Satyendra Das represents the conclusion of an important period in the history of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple which he strongly contributed to through his leadership roles. His death has left a deep void in the Ayodhya community, where his influence and dedication to Lord Ram’s service will not be forgotten.