Mahant Ramchandradas Paramhans, who spearheaded the movement for construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya, died after protracted illness on Thursday, two days after he was shifted to Ayodhya from a hospital in Lucknow in keeping with his wishes.

The 90-year old president of the Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas, had suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the SGPGI hospital in Lucknow earlier this month, where he underwent surgery for removal of stones in gall bladder.

The Mahant breathed his last at 0445 am.

As the news of his death spread, hundreds of people gathered at the Digambar Akhara to pay their last respects.

Senior VHP leaders Ashok Singhal and Mahant Avaidyanath have reached the akhara.

The cremation is likely to take place on Friday at 1130 IST.

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