Ram Janmabhoomi Chief Priest Mahant Satyendra Das Passes Away at 87

GG News Bureau
Ayodhya, 12th Feb. Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi chief priest, Mahant Satyendra Das, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, at the age of 87. He was undergoing treatment at SGPGI in Lucknow after suffering a brain stroke. Das was also battling diabetes and high blood pressure.

A hospital press release confirmed his demise, stating, “Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple’s chief priest, Mahant Satyendra Das Ji, breathed his last today.” He was admitted to the neurology ward’s HDU on February 3 in critical condition following a stroke. His last rites will be performed on Thursday at 12:00 PM with Jal Samadhi.

His mortal remains have been brought to his residence, where devotees and followers are paying their last respects. Ram Mandir Trust member Mahant Dinendra Das also paid tribute. His disciples are mourning his loss.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences, calling his demise an “irreparable loss to the spiritual world.” In a post on X, he wrote, “The passing of Param Ram Bhakt, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple’s chief priest, Acharya Shri Satyendra Kumar Das Ji Maharaj, is deeply saddening. My humble tribute!”

Mahant Satyendra Das had been serving as the chief priest of the Ram temple since December 6, 1992, when the Babri Masjid was demolished. Having chosen a spiritual path at the age of 20, he earned immense respect in Ayodhya and beyond.

Affiliated with the Nirvani Akhara, Das was known as one of the most accessible saints in Ayodhya. He frequently interacted with journalists, providing insights into developments related to Ayodhya and the Ram Temple.

At the time of the Babri Masjid demolition, Das had been the temple’s chief priest for only nine months. The event triggered a massive political upheaval that reshaped Indian politics. Throughout the years, he remained at the forefront of the Ram Temple movement, patiently answering all media inquiries.

Despite the turmoil, he continued as the chief priest and performed worship when Ram Lalla’s idol was placed under a temporary tent. His passing marks the end of an era in the Ram Temple’s spiritual journey.