Who Was Acharya Satyendra Das: A Look At His Legacy in Ayodhya

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir, passed away at the age of 83 on Wednesday at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow. The hospital confirmed his demise. He was undergoing treatment for high blood pressure and diabetes before he suffered a stroke on February 3. Initially admitted to a private hospital in Ayodhya, he was later shifted to SGPGI for advanced care.

Final Rites to Be Held in Ayodhya

According to his disciple Pradeep Das, Acharya Satyendra Das’s last rites will be performed on the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya. His body is being transported from Lucknow to Ayodhya for the final rituals.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences, calling the chief priest’s passing “an irreparable loss.” On Tuesday, CM Adityanath visited SGPGI to check on his health before his demise.

Who was Acharya Satyendra Das?

Acharya Satyendra Das was appointed as the chief priest of the Ram temple in early 1992, just months before the demolition of the Babri Masjid. He was the longest-serving chief priest and took on the role at the young age of 20. A member of the Nirvani Akhara, he played a significant role in temple affairs and frequently addressed religious and temple-related matters in the media.

Last month, Acharya Satyendra Das participated in the first anniversary celebrations of the Pran Pratistha ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol. He described the celebrations as “very beautiful,” showcasing his deep connection to the temple and its traditions.

His passing marks the end of an era for Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir, where he served with unwavering devotion for decades.