Mahant Satyendra Das, the 85-year-old chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, passed away on Wednesday at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI). He had been admitted to the hospital earlier this month after suffering a brain stroke.
In a statement, the hospital confirmed his passing, saying, “Satendra Das ji, chief priest of Ram Mandir Ayodhya, breathed his last today. He was admitted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the neurology ward on February 3 with a stroke in critical condition.”
A Legacy of Service to the Temple
Mahant Das had served as the head priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple since he was 20 years old. He played a pivotal role in the temple’s spiritual and administrative matters and was deeply involved during some of the most critical events in the temple’s history. This included overseeing prayers for the Ram Lalla idol under a makeshift tent following the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992.
Born in the Nirvani Akhara, Mahant Das was known as one of the most approachable and accessible saints in Ayodhya. He became the go-to figure for media personnel from across the country who sought information about Ayodhya and the developments surrounding the Ram temple.
Role During the Babri Masjid Demolition
Mahant Satyendra Das had barely been in his role as chief priest for nine months when the Babri mosque was demolished. Despite the chaos and controversy that followed, he continued to lead the temple’s activities and prayers, ensuring the continuity of the temple’s rituals. His dedication to the temple and its spiritual significance made him an important figure in Ayodhya.
Condolences and Tributes
The Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) Ayodhya-based spokesman, Sharad Sharma, expressed deep sorrow at his passing. He said, “Mahant Satyendra Das was a widely respected figure and a person who knew the history of the Ayodhya movement by heart. We deeply mourn his death and extend our condolences.”
Mahant Das’s contributions to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and the Ayodhya movement will be remembered as an integral part of the history of the temple’s journey and the faith of millions of devotees.
