RAIPUR, India (Reuters) - A Hindu priest in Chhattisgarh killed himself with the promise he would come back to life after two days, police said on Monday.

Manoj Baghel, described as an intensely religious man, poisoned himself in front of a small crowd on Saturday at a temple in Raigarh in Chhattisgarh, police said.

He was taken to hospital, and died soon after.

Police have registered a case of suicide, but have been unable to take the 25-year-old's body for an autopsy because supporters have insisted on returning the body to the temple and waiting to see what happens.

Police expect the crowds will give up their vigil by Monday evening.