Mahant Satyendra Das, the revered head priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow. The 85-year-old spiritual leader had been admitted earlier this month after suffering a brain stroke and was undergoing treatment in the hospital’s High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the Neurology ward.

The hospital confirmed his demise in an official statement: “Satyendra Das Ji, Chief Priest of Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, breathed his last today. He was admitted to the HDU of the neurology ward on February 3 in critical condition following a stroke.”

His passing marks the end of an era for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, where he played an instrumental role in overseeing rituals, guiding devotees, and upholding the temple’s spiritual traditions over the decades.

Mahant Satyendra Das was widely regarded as a custodian of Hindu spiritual heritage and a steadfast devotee of Lord Ram. His association with the Ram Janmabhoomi temple spanned several decades, during which he provided spiritual leadership, conducted sacred rituals, and upheld temple traditions with unwavering commitment.

As the chief priest, he was responsible for the daily prayers, religious ceremonies, and maintaining the spiritual sanctity of the temple. His guidance was deeply valued by devotees, scholars, and religious leaders alike, as he played a pivotal role in ensuring the continuation of centuries-old traditions.

Even in the midst of political and legal battles surrounding the Ayodhya temple, Mahant Satyendra Das maintained a neutral and spiritual stance, emphasizing the importance of peace, devotion, and harmony among all communities.

Mahant Satyendra Das witnessed and actively participated in the transformative journey of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. From the initial legal battles to the historic Supreme Court verdict of 2019, which paved the way for the construction of the Ram temple, he remained at the forefront, ensuring that the religious and spiritual aspects of the site remained paramount.

Following the foundation-laying ceremony of the temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2020, Mahant Satyendra Das continued to oversee religious proceedings and rituals related to the temple’s construction and consecration.

His spiritual wisdom and deep-rooted devotion inspired countless devotees, making him a highly respected figure not only in Ayodhya but across India.

The demise of Mahant Satyendra Das has led to an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, religious figures, and devotees across the nation.

Senior temple officials and seers in Ayodhya expressed their deep sorrow, stating that his loss would create a spiritual vacuum in the temple community.

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute, stating, “The passing of Mahant Satyendra Das Ji is an irreparable loss to the spiritual community. His devotion to Lord Ram and his lifelong service to the temple will always be remembered.”
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, highlighting his role in “preserving the sacred traditions of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and guiding devotees with wisdom and compassion.”
• Religious scholars and saints from across India have praised his lifelong service, emphasizing that his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of devotees and priests.