Lucknow: The grand temple dedicated to Lord Rama, known as Ram Mandir, is all set to be inaugurated on January 22, 2024, at the sacred birthplace of Ayodhya. All preparations for the temple's inauguration, consecration, and deity installation have been completed. Amidst ongoing news about the Ram Temple, discussions about the temple priests are gaining momentum. Out of 3,000 applicants for the role of priests in the temple, 50 have been selected. However, the focus is on the head priest of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, known as the chief priest, and his name is Pandit Satyendra Das.
Who is Satyendra Das? Satyendra Das is the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. He has been performing the worship of Lord Rama for the past 32 years. His selection as the priest for Rama's worship took place nine months before the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. Satyendra Das is now 80 years old, but despite his age, he has been chosen as the chief priest for the new temple, continuing his dedicated service to Lord Rama. He expressed his commitment, saying that he has spent almost three decades in the service of Lord Rama, and whenever the opportunity arises, he wishes to spend the rest of his life in the same service.
Satyendra Das's Life: Satyendra Das hails from Sant Kabirnagar and has been residing in Ayodhya since childhood. Growing up in Ayodhya, he was surrounded by a religious atmosphere. His association with Abhidass Ji, who placed idols in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi in 1949, deeply influenced him. Abhidass Ji had a good relationship with Satyendra Das's father.
Satyendra Das's life took a turn towards spirituality, and he expressed his desire to become a monk to his father, who supported him wholeheartedly. Later, he joined the Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya and became an assistant professor in the grammar department in 1976. Despite his academic commitments, he continued his involvement in religious activities at the Ram Janmabhoomi.
In 1992, when the opportunity arose to become the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi, Satyendra Das was appointed to the position on March 1, 1992. He became the chief priest, overseeing the worship, and appointed four assistant priests.
Witnessing the Babri Masjid Demolition: Satyendra Das was present at the Ram Janmabhoomi when the Babri Masjid demolition took place in 1992. He ensured the idols were covered with a curtain after offering the morning prayers. After the incident, he moved Lord Rama's idol to safety and left the site, avoiding any harm. Satyendra Das had hoped that one day, Lord Rama's idol would be established in the temple, and his dream has now come true with the construction of the magnificent Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Financial Struggles: In 1992, when Satyendra Das was appointed as the chief priest, he received a stipend of only 100 rupees. Despite this, he continued his duties while also teaching at a school, where he received a salary. In 2007, after retiring from the teaching position, his stipend was increased to 13,000 rupees, and assistant priests received 8,000 rupees.
Satyendra Das's Vision: Satyendra Das has always maintained a vision for the future, hoping that one day Lord Rama's temple would be constructed. His dream has now come true with the completion of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, marking the fulfillment of his aspirations and hopes.
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