The head priest of Ayodhya's Ram Temple, Satyendra Das, passed away on Wednesday at Lucknow's PGI. After battling a brain hemorrhage since February 3, he breathed his last. Satyendra Das had been a devoted worshiper at the Ram Temple since the young age of 20. He was also the priest during the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992—a tale from that time has become quite famous...
When the Idol Vanished from Satyendra Das's Hands
This story is rooted in 1992. But before delving into this, let's explore an incident from 1949. On the night of December 22-23, 1949, an idol of Ram Lalla was observed within the disputed structure. The city of Ayodhya reverberated with the hymns of 'Bhajan Bhay Prakat Kripala.' The news spread like wildfire across the nation—Ram Lalla had appeared inside the contentious structure. On December 23, 1949, the police lodged a case regarding the placement of idols inside the mosque, leading to the structure being sealed on December 29, 1949. It was reopened in 1986.
Fast forward to 1992... The idol of Ram Lalla was established at his birthplace from 1949 until December 6, 1992. However, during the car seva that followed the demolition of the Babri structure, the idol disappeared. This missing idol was not the original Ram Lalla idol but the one placed in the disputed space on the midnight of December 22, 1949. Post this event, the Hindu faction began claiming the manifestation of Ram Lalla.
Senior journalist Hemant Sharma, who was present during the demolition, writes in his book 'Ayodhya in Conflict:' 'On December 6, 1992, the crowd gathered in Ayodhya for the car seva unexpectedly began demolishing the Babri structure. By around a quarter to four, the left dome of the disputed structure had collapsed.
It was then discovered that the idol of Ram Lalla, which priest Satyendra Das had brought out, was missing. As the potential government action loomed, there was a scramble to establish a temporary temple and place the idol.
Read Also: Ayodhya Temple Chief Priest Satyendra Das Dies at 85 in Lucknow PGI
Statue Brought from the House of Ayodhya's King...
A curfew gripped Ayodhya. Shops were closed. Hastily, King Ayodhya sent over statues of Ram Lalla from his residence, specially reserved in a makeshift temple built by his grandmother. King Ayodhya placed these statues on a platform where the demolished structure once stood. Soon after, Prime Minister Narasimha Rao held a cabinet meeting deciding to dismiss BJP Chief Minister Kalyan Singh.'
More About Satyendra Das
Acharya Satyendra Das was born into a religious family. From a young age, he excelled in religious rituals and Vedic scriptures. His guru, Mahant Abhiram Das, inspired him to pursue a path as a priest.
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The Tale of 4 Ram Lalla Idols to be Installed at Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi from Vikramaditya to Babar's Era
1976: Taking up Teaching
In 1975, Satyendra Das completed his studies in Sanskrit and obtained a position as an assistant teacher in the Sanskrit College's Grammar Department in 1976. Yet, he continued his involvement at the Ram Temple, contributing to the rituals and activities there. This journey eventually led to his appointment as the chief priest of the Ram Temple in 1992.
Satyendra Das Appointed Chief Priest in 1992
In 1992, it was decided to appoint Satyendra Das as the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi, with his formal appointment on March 1, 1992. Following this, Satyendra Das served as the head priest of Ram Janmabhoomi, supported by four assistant priests. Upon his appointment in 1992, he received a stipend of 100 rupees.
