Anantnag, Feb 17: Sachin Tendulkar, the renowned retired Indian cricketer, visited the Martand Tirath Temple in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir on Saturday to pay his respects.
The temple, located approximately 7 kilometres from Anantnag Town, is famous as the birthplace of Martand, the thirteenth representative of the Sun God and the son of Kashyap Reshi from Aditi also known as Parshotama.
Pt. Ajay Shastri, the temple priest who accompanied Sachin Tendulkar during his visit told Rising Kashmir over phone that Sachin had come for a special puja.
The Martand Tirath Temple is also recognized for its significance to Amarnath pilgrims, who often begin their pilgrimage from this site.
Pt. Shastri further said that Sachin, accompanied by his family, paid their respects at the temple and left feeling content, having received blessings.
It’s worth noting that various religious festivals are celebrated throughout the year at Martand, with the primary celebration being the birthday of Martand ji (Sun God) on Magh Shukla Paksh Saptami.
Ashoka Sidha, the President of Martand Tirth Trust, said that the name Martand translates to “Surya” in Sanskrit. The temple holds religious significance as the ‘Surya temple’, and the area’s name is also Martand, which is now referred to as Mattan.
Sachin later headed towards Pahalgam with her wife, Anjali Tendulkar and daughter Sara Tendulkar – the world famous tourist destination where he will be staying.
