- India,
- 12-Feb-2025 11:16 AM IST
Acharya Satyendra Das: Mahant Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the holy Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, died on Wednesday, February 12. 87-year-old Satyendra Das ji was undergoing treatment at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow, where he was admitted on Sunday due to 'brain stroke'. His health was already affected by diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. According to the official release of the hospital, Satyendra Das ji breathed his last on Tuesday.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed griefUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep condolences on the demise of Mahant Satyendra Das ji. He wrote on his official social media platform X,"The demise of Acharya Shri Satyendra Kumar Das Ji Maharaj, the chief priest of Param Ram Bhakt, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Shri Ayodhya Dham is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to the spiritual world. Humble tribute!"His demise has caused a wave of mourning in Ayodhya and the entire Hindu society.The Spiritual Journey of Mahant Satyendra DasThe name of Mahant Satyendra Das will be written in golden letters in the history of Ayodhya. He took charge as the priest of the temporary Ram temple on December 6, 1992, when the demolition of the Babri Masjid took place. Das ji, who embraced spiritual life at the age of 20, earned immense respect with his simple nature and spiritual knowledge. As the longest serving priest of the Ram temple, he carried out his responsibilities with dedication and devotion.The most accessible saint of AyodhyaMahant Satyendra Das was not only the chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi, but he was also one of the most accessible saints of Ayodhya. He was always available to media personnel from India and abroad and patiently put forth his views on the developments related to the Ram temple. When the demolition of the Babri Masjid took place on December 6, 1992, it had been barely nine months since he was appointed as the chief priest. This incident proved to be a turning point for Indian politics and Das ji always gave his opinion on this subject with clarity and restraint.Contribution in Ram Mandir MovementThe contribution of Satyendra Das Ji during the Ram Mandir movement was unforgettable. When the idol of Ramlala was installed under a temporary tent after the Babri demolition, he duly performed the Puja and played his role with full dedication. His presence in the saint society of Ayodhya was always revered and he inspired everyone with his simplicity and restraint.Wave of mourning in Ayodhya due to his demiseThere is deep mourning in Ayodhya due to the demise of Mahant Satyendra Das. This is an irreparable loss for his followers and devotees. His important role in the historic movement of Ram Janmabhoomi will always be remembered.