85-year-old Mahant Satyendra Das was admitted to the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences earlier this month after he suffered brain stroke at Ayodhya Ram
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Mahant Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, died at a hospital here on Wednesday (February 12, 2025)
Who is Mahant Styendra Das
Acharya Satyendra Das died on Wednesday. He was admitted to the hospital earlier this month after he suffered a brain stroke.
Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ayodhya‘s Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, died on Wednesday at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) Lucknow, said a press statement issued by the institute.
The 83-year-old priest was admitted to the hospital on February 3 after he suffered a brain stroke.
Mahant Satyendra Das, Chief Priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Passes Away at 85
Mahant Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the age of 85. He was undergoing treatment at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) after suffering a brain stroke earlier this month.
According to the hospital, he was admitted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the neurology ward on February 3 in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he breathed his last on Wednesday. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the spiritual history of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
He served as the head priest of the temple since he was 20-years-old, including during the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992.
Das, who hailed from the Nirvani Akhara, was among the most accessible saints of Ayodhya and the go-to person for many mediapersons from across the country wanting information on Ayodhya and Ram temple developments.
He was barely nine months into his job as chief priest when the Babri mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992.
After the demolition, Mahant Satyendra Das continued to serve as the head priest, overseeing prayers to the Ram Lalla idol under a makeshift tent.
Sharad Sharma, the Ayodhya-based spokesperson of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), expressed his condolences on Das’s passing.
“He was a highly respected figure and possessed deep knowledge of the history of the Ayodhya movement. We mourn his demise,” Sharma said.
5 Facts About Acharya Satyendra Das
- Early Spiritual Journey – He embraced the path of spirituality at the age of 20, dedicating his life to religious service and devotion.
- Health Struggles – Apart from suffering a brain stroke, he battled chronic ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Media Presence – Known for his openness, Acharya Satyendra Das was frequently approached by the media for insights on temple affairs and religious matters in Ayodhya.
- Recent Hospitalization – Initially admitted to a private hospital in Ayodhya, he was later transferred to SGPGI in Lucknow for specialized medical treatment.
- Documentary Feature – He appeared in the 2024 documentary series The Battle of Ayodhya, which delves into the history and developments of the Ayodhya dispute.
When and where did Mahant Satyendra Das pass away?
He passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow.
What was the cause of his death?
He suffered a brain stroke earlier in the month and was admitted to the hospital in critical condition on February 3. Despite medical treatment, he passed away at the age of 85.
How long did Mahant Satyendra Das serve as the chief priest?
He dedicated his life to religious service from the age of 20 and was the chief priest for several decades, including during the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, 1992.
What was his role in the Ayodhya movement?
As a prominent religious leader, he witnessed and guided temple rituals during key events, including the post-demolition phase when prayers were conducted under a makeshift tent.
