Ayodhya Ram Temple's chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das dies after suffering brain stroke, PM Modi condoles
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya's chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das died in Lucknow's Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) hospital on Wednesday, days after he suffered a brain stroke.
He was 85.
According to his disciple Pradeep Das, the elderly priest's cremation will take place by the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya on Thursday and his body was currently being taken to the holy city from Lucknow, reported India Today.
The priest was admitted to the hospital on Sunday after he suffered from a brain stroke.
He had participated in the event marking the first anniversary celebrations of the Pran Pratistha ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya last year.
Narendra Modi expresses sadness
Indian PM Narendra Modi voiced his sadness over the demise of the priest.
He posted on X, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Mahant Satyendra Das Ji, the chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi temple. Mahant Ji, who was an expert in religious rituals and scriptures, dedicated his entire life to the service of Lord Shri Ram."
राम जन्मभूमि मंदिर के मुख्य पुजारी महंत सत्येंद्र दास जी के देहावसान से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। धार्मिक अनुष्ठानों और शास्त्रों के ज्ञाता रहे महंत जी का पूरा जीवन भगवान श्री राम की सेवा में समर्पित रहा। देश के आध्यात्मिक और सामाजिक जीवन में उनके अमूल्य योगदान को हमेशा श्रद्धापूर्वक… pic.twitter.com/eWMVeZnRLQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2025
He further said: " His invaluable contribution to the spiritual and social life of the country will always be remembered with reverence. I pray to God to give strength to his family and followers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti! "
