Srinagar, Jan 07: In a ceremonious event at the historic Sun Temple in Martand, Anantnag, a ‘Kalash’ from the revered Ayodhya temple was installed on Sunday. The auspicious occasion witnessed devout locals and worshippers from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu participating with fervour.
Ashok Kumar, the president of Martand Temple Mattan, expressed a deep sense of privilege and luck, emphasising the significant honour bestowed upon their temple for hosting this religious event. He highlighted the global prominence of the temple and disclosed that the ‘Kalash’ had been directly sent from the Ayodhya temple.
Commencing tomorrow, the sacred ‘Kalash’ will be taken to every household in the locality to educate and encourage people to participate in the upcoming event at the Sun Temple scheduled for January 22nd.
Kumar revealed that a major event is also slated to take place at the Ayodhya temple on the same day. He stated that they had been directed to conduct a special ‘Pooja’ (worship) on that auspicious day. A day-long ‘Pooja’ was organised at the Sun Temple, where the ‘Kalash’ was displayed for the devotees. Hindus from nearby areas actively participated in the religious proceedings, showcasing unity and communal harmony.
Expressing gratitude, a local devotee remarked, “We express our gratitude to the people of the country for this honour and pray that peace and harmony prevail in Kashmir.” The installation of the ‘Kalash’ was accompanied by a special ‘Pooja,’ with devotees paying their respects at the ancient temple.
The Martand Temple, dating back to the eighth century, stands as one of the oldest sun temples in India. Ashok Kumar, the temple’s head, conveyed his happiness about the significant event and invited all community members to join in the celebration on January 22nd, where lighting ‘diyas’ (lamps) and performing special ‘Pooja’ will be central to the commemoration. This event serves as a testament to the rich cultural and religious diversity present in the region.