Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. In a heartfelt message on social media platform X, Shah stated, “The demise of Acharya Satyendra Das Ji, the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, is an irreparable loss for the saint community and devotees. Acharya Ji, who was a symbol of faith and devotion among Ram devotees, always dedicated his life to the service of the Lord and guidance of devotees. He played an active role in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement. May Lord Shri Ram give place to the pious soul in his lotus feet and provide strength to the bereaved family and followers. Om Shanti!”
Acharya Satyendra Das, aged 85, passed away on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow, following a brain stroke. His disciple, Pradeep Das, confirmed the news of his demise. Born into a life of devotion, Acharya Das chose the path of spirituality at the young age of 20 and was associated with the Nirvani Akhara, one of Ayodhya’s prominent religious sects. He was the longest-serving chief priest of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, serving since its temporary form, and was known for his accessibility, often sought out by journalists for insights into the Ram Temple movement and developments in Ayodhya.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also expressed sorrow over the demise of the chief priest, stating, “The news of the demise of Acharya Shri Satyendra Kumar Das Ji Maharaj, the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple located in Ayodhya Dham, is extremely sad and an irreparable loss for the entire saint community. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant the virtuous soul a place in his feet and provide strength to the grief-stricken followers and well-wishers to bear this immense sorrow. Om peace!”
Acharya Satyendra Das’s passing marks the end of an era, as he was a revered figure not only in Ayodhya but across the country. His spiritual guidance and unwavering devotion have left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless devotees.