A Spiritual Legacy Lost: Ram Mandir’s Chief Priest Acharya Satyendra Das Dies at 87

Ayodhya(The Uttam Hindu): Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, passed away today at SGPGI hospital in Lucknow. He was 87 years old and had been battling illness for an extended period. His health deteriorated suddenly a few days ago, prompting his hospitalization. Doctors confirmed that he suffered a stroke, and his condition remained critical.

On February 4, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the hospital to check on his condition. Acharya Das had been admitted to a private hospital in Ayodhya on February 2 and later transferred to SGPGI due to his severe condition. He had been suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure. Acharya Satyendra Das had been associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi temple for over three decades, serving as the chief priest since before the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. Born and raised in Ayodhya, he had been performing rituals at the temple since 1992, dedicating nearly 33 years to the religious duties.

In 1975, Acharya Das earned his degree in Sanskrit and began his career as an assistant professor at Ayodhya’s Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya. After the Babri Masjid demolition, he was formally appointed as the chief priest on March 5, 1992, initially earning a meager salary of 100 rupees per month. By 2023, his salary had risen to 38,500 rupees after the consecration of Ram Lalla’s idol. His death marks a significant loss for the temple and the community, as he was regarded as a key figure in the ongoing Ram Janmabhoomi movement.