Ayodhya: Acharya Satyendra Das, the revered chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, has passed away at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow. The spiritual leader, who served as a crucial figure in Ayodhya's religious landscape for decades, succumbed to complications following a brain stroke that he suffered on February 2, 2025.
The veteran priest's health had deteriorated rapidly after the stroke, leading to his immediate hospitalization. Initially admitted to a private hospital in Ayodhya, he was subsequently transferred to SGPGIMS Lucknow's High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the Neurology ward on February 3, where medical professionals worked tirelessly to stabilize his condition. The gravity of his situation prompted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to visit him at SGPGIMS on February 4, underscoring the priest's significance in the state's religious and cultural fabric.
Acharya Satyendra Das's passing marks the end of an era in Ayodhya's history, as he was one of the few remaining direct witnesses to several pivotal moments in the temple-mosque dispute. Most notably, he served as the chief priest during the controversial demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992. During this turbulent period, Das demonstrated remarkable foresight and devotion to his duties by carefully relocating the idols to the nearby Fakire Mandir before the demolition commenced. Following the event, he personally supervised the installation of the idols in the makeshift temple at Ram Janmabhoomi, ensuring the continuity of worship during a challenging transition period.
His commitment to the spiritual welfare of Ram Janmabhoomi continued until his final days. Das played a central role in the historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the newly constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and recently celebrated its first anniversary on January 11, 2025. In what would become one of his final public statements, he described the anniversary celebrations as "very beautiful," reflecting his joy at witnessing the fruition of a centuries-old dream.
Throughout his life, Acharya Satyendra Das embodied the dedication of a true spiritual guardian. His journey began at the young age of 20 when he chose to dedicate his life to religious service, a commitment that would span several decades and witness numerous historical transformations in Ayodhya. Despite battling serious health conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure in his later years, his devotion to his duties remained unwavering.
Das was widely recognized for his accessibility and openness, particularly in his interactions with the media. As a respected authority on temple developments and religious affairs in Ayodhya, he became a trusted voice for both devotees and journalists seeking insights into the temple's activities and spiritual significance. His expertise and historical perspective were recently showcased in the 2024 documentary series "The Battle of Ayodhya," where he shared his firsthand experiences and deep understanding of the temple dispute.
The priest's final days were marked by serious health challenges. Despite receiving advanced medical care at SGPGIMS, the combination of his recent brain stroke and existing health conditions proved too severe to overcome. His passing has created a void in Ayodhya's spiritual leadership, particularly at a time when the newly consecrated Ram Temple is establishing its daily rituals and traditions.
Acharya Satyendra Das's legacy extends beyond his role as a priest; he served as a living bridge between different eras of Ayodhya's history. From witnessing the tumultuous events of 1992 to participating in the joyous consecration of the new temple, his life story paralleled the transformation of Ram Janmabhoomi itself. His passing marks not just the end of a significant religious figure but the conclusion of a chapter in Ayodhya's continuing spiritual narrative.
