Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief Pujari of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi mandir, passed away on February 12 at the age of 85. He breathed his last at around 7 am on the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, where he was undergoing treatment following a brain stroke.
Acharya Satyendra Das had been serving Shri Ram Lalla since 1993 and was the longest-serving chief pujari of the mandir. His disciple, Pradeep Das, confirmed the news of his passing. The revered pujari’s mortal remains are being transported to Ayodhya, where his last rites will be performed on the banks of the Saryu River on February 13.
Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra, along with other members of the mandir management, expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Acharya Satyendra Das. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his condolences, calling the pujari’s passing “an irreparable loss.”
Taking to social media post on X, CM Yogi wrote, “The demise of Acharya Shri Satyendra Kumar Das Ji Maharaj, the supreme devotee of Bhagwan Ram and the chief pujari of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Shri Ayodhya Dham is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to the spiritual world. Humble tribute!”
“We pray to Bhagwan 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 Shanti!” the post reads.
परम रामभक्त, श्री राम जन्मभूमि मंदिर, श्री अयोध्या धाम के मुख्य पुजारी आचार्य श्री सत्येन्द्र कुमार दास जी महाराज का निधन अत्यंत दुःखद एवं आध्यात्मिक जगत की अपूरणीय क्षति है। विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि!
प्रभु श्री राम से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत पुण्यात्मा को अपने श्री चरणों में स्थान दे…
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) February 12, 2025
Acharya Satyendra Das was hospitalised on February 3 after suffering a brain stroke and was admitted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of SGPGI’s Neurology ward. Despite close monitoring by senior consultants, his condition remained critical. He was also battling diabetes and hypertension.
A day after he was admitted, CM Yogi Adityanath visited the ailing pujari in the hospital. However, despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his illness.
Just last month, Acharya Satyendra Das took part in the first-anniversary celebrations of the Pran Pratistha ceremony of the Ram Lalla murti on January 11. He described the event as “very beautiful,” highlighting his devotion and commitment to the mandir till his final days.
His passing marks the end of an era in the history of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi mandir, where he played a pivotal role in spiritual and religious affairs. His contributions and unwavering service will be remembered by devotees and mandir authorities alike.
