Lucknow, Feb 12: Mahant Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, has passed away at a hospital in the city.
The 85-year-old was hospitalized at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) earlier this month following a brain stroke.
According to hospital officials, “Satendra Das ji, chief Priest of Ram Mandir Ayodhya, breathed his last today. He was in the High Dependency Unit of the neurology ward since February 3 due to a stroke in critical condition.”
Das had served as the temple’s head priest since he was just 20 years old, witnessing significant events, including the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992.
Originating from the Nirvani Akhara, he was known as one of the most accessible saints in Ayodhya and frequently provided information to media personnel from across the country regarding developments related to Ayodhya and the Ram temple.
Remarkably, he was only nine months into his tenure as chief priest when the Babri mosque was demolished.
Following the demolition, he continued his duties, leading prayers at the Ram Lalla idol set up in a temporary shelter.
Sharad Sharma, the spokesperson for the Vishva Hindu Parishad in Ayodhya, expressed his condolences, stating, “He was a widely respected individual with an extensive knowledge of the Ayodhya movement. We mourn his passing,” Sharma told PTI. (Agencies)
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