The Enduring Legacy of Mahant Satyendra Das

Mahant Satyendra Das, chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya since age 20, passed away at 85. He was a key figure during the Babri Masjid demolition and continued to lead prayers afterward. Das was a well-respected authority on Ayodhya and its complex history.

Mahant Satyendra Das, the revered chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 85 in a local hospital. His death marks the end of an era for those who remember him as an influential religious figure.

Das was admitted to the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences earlier this month following a severe brain stroke. Despite medical care at the HDU of the neurology ward, he succumbed to his condition. The priest had devoted over six decades to spiritual leadership in Ayodhya.

Hailing from the Nirvani Akhara, Das was known for his accessibility and deep knowledge of Ayodhya's historical and spiritual landscape. His tenure saw pivotal moments, including the tumultuous period of the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. Ayodhya-based VHP spokesman Sharad Sharma expressed condolences, highlighting Das's respected status and intimate understanding of the Ayodhya movement.

(With inputs from agencies.)