A Devoted Life Comes to an End
Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83. He breathed his last at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow, where he was undergoing treatment following a brain stroke. His passing marks the end of an era of spiritual service and dedication to Lord Ram.
Hospitalization and Treatment
Acharya Satyendra Das was admitted to SGPGIMS on February 3 after suffering a brain stroke. He was placed in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the Neurology ward in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his condition, leaving his disciples and devotees in deep mourning.
A day after he was hospitalized, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited him and discussed his treatment with doctors. Following the news of his demise, CM Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences, calling Acharya Das’s passing an “irreparable loss to the spiritual world.”
Tributes from Leaders and Followers
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to the late priest, emphasizing his devotion to Lord Ram and his invaluable contributions to the temple.
“The demise of Acharya Shri Satyendra Kumar Das Ji Maharaj, the supreme devotee of Lord Ram and the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Shri Ayodhya Dham, is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to the spiritual world. Humble tribute! We pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant a place to the departed soul at his feet and give strength to the grief-stricken disciples and followers to bear this immense loss. Om peace!” CM Yogi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
A Life Dedicated to Spirituality
Acharya Satyendra Das dedicated his entire life to the service of Lord Ram and the Ayodhya temple. Born into a life of devotion, he chose the spiritual path at the young age of 20. He was associated with the Nirvani Akhara, one of Ayodhya’s prominent religious sects, and was known for his accessibility and wisdom.
He had been serving as the chief priest of the Ram temple since before the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. His deep knowledge and devotion made him one of Ayodhya’s most respected religious figures. Over the years, he became a sought-after voice for insights into the Ram Temple movement and the religious landscape of Ayodhya.
His Role in Ayodhya’s Religious Landscape
Acharya Das played a pivotal role in the spiritual and religious developments of Ayodhya. He was one of the first Hindu priests to condemn the petition seeking to ban the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh, showcasing his inclusive and broad-minded approach to Hinduism.
Most recently, he was seen celebrating the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ayodhya Temple on January 11, demonstrating his enduring dedication to the temple and its traditions.
A Lasting Legacy
Acharya Satyendra Das’s passing is a great loss to the spiritual world. His lifelong service, wisdom, and devotion to Lord Ram will continue to inspire generations of devotees. As Ayodhya moves forward with the completion of the grand Ram Temple, his legacy remains deeply intertwined with its history.
His followers and disciples will remember him not just as a religious leader but as a guiding force who upheld the temple’s sanctity and the values of devotion, humility, and service.
(With inputs from agencies)
