 Early Times Report
Srinagar, Dec 22: A solemn tribute and prayer ceremony was held today at the holy kund of Shri Martand Tirth, Mattan, mourning the sudden and tragic demise of thousands of sacred fishes revered as divine manifestations. Devotees gathered in deep anguish and prayer, expressing shock over this unprecedented incident, which has deeply hurt the religious sentiments and faith associated with this ancient and sacred pilgrimage center.
This is the first time in history that such a heartbreaking scene has been witnessed, where thousands of sacred fishes have died along the flowing water track of Martand Mattan for nearly 4–5 kilometers. Such a tragedy has never occurred even during the last 36 years of Kashmiri Pandits’ exodus, making it an incident of grave spiritual, cultural, and environmental concern.
Before meeting the Hon’ble Deputy Commissioner, the delegation led by Shri M. K. Yogi performed a highly spiritual ‘Prarthana’ and Puja ceremony in a traditional Dharmic pattern. Holy Jal (water) was collected from various sacred rivers and was respectfully poured into the Martand Spring as an act of devotion and purification. Local residents, including members of the Muslim and Sikh communities, also expressed deep sorrow and concern over this tragic incident, reflecting the shared emotional and spiritual connection people have with this sacred place.
Special prayers and religious rituals were performed, seeking divine intervention and protection for the sacred fishes and preservation of the sanctity of Shri Martand Shrine. Among those present were Dr. M. K. Bharat, Ashwani Sidha, Pankaj Bhawani, along with M. K. Yogi and Veer Ji Pandita (Former President and Former General Secretary of Purohit Sabha Martand Tirth Improvement Charitable Trust). The ceremony concluded with the chanting of the sacred Shanti Mantra. |
