Two-Day Mahayagya Organised for the Salvation of Sacred Fishes of Shri Martand Tirth
Special hawans were conducted exclusively for the peace of the departed sacred fishes
Jammu, January, 19, 2026: In the wake of the tragic and unprecedented mass mortality of the sacred fishes revered as divine manifestations at the holy springs of Shri Martand Tirth, Mattan (Anantnag), a two-day Mahayagya was solemnly organised at the Community Centre, Muthi, Jammu, for the peace and salvation of the departed sacred fishes. The Mahayagya commenced on 18 January 2026 and concluded on 19 January 2026 with the Purnahuti followed by Prasad distribution. The sacred ritual was organised under the banner of Shri Martand Tirth Virsa Pratishthan led by M K Yogi Ex-President PSMTICT, Dr M K Bharat, Veer Ji Pandita Ex Gen. Secy., Ashwani Sidha & martand baradari. This Mahayagya also marked the formal inauguration of the Pratishthan. The programme was organised with the special support and courtesy of Martand KP Brigade Charitable Trust members Rakesh Kumar Tickoo President & Aditya Tickoo Gen. Secy.
The Mahayagya was performed strictly in accordance with Shastric and Vedic traditions. On this occasion Shanti Lal Sidh paid rich tribute to sacred fishes by singing bhajan in his melodious voice. Special hawans were conducted exclusively for the peace of the departed sacred fishes. The Mahayagya was organised in response to the tragic and deeply painful incident in which thousand of sacred fishes inhabiting the holy ponds of Shri Martand Tirth — namely Vimal Kund, Kamal Kund and Gauri Kund, besides Chaka Nadi — fell victim to an unnatural and untimely death. As per investigation conducted the deaths were caused by multiple environmental and biological factors. The investigation further revealed serious administrative and departmental lapses die to delay in oxygen management, medical treatment, nutrition, disease surveillance and sanitation of the holy springs.
The sacred fishes of Shri Martand Tirth are traditionally worshipped by devotees as living manifestations of the presiding deities of the shrine and are considered an inseparable part of its ancient spiritual and ecological heritage. Devotees from the Martand community participated in large numbers with deep devotion and reverence. Several social and religious organisations especially Swami Kumar Ji Geeta Satsang Ashram , Dr Sushil Wattal devotee of Bhagwaan Gopinath Ashram, Kiran Wattal Convenor Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, Ravi Jogi President ZDPC, Dr Rohit Koul People’s Hut Foundation, Chand Ji Bhat, Kamal Ganjoo, and Anil Bhan President Phase-2 Migrant Muthi also joined in the prayers, expressing collective grief over the tragedy. Before the Purnahuti, the organisers addressed the gathering and explained the spiritual and ecological significance of the Mahayagya. Prayers were offered to the presiding deity of Shri Martand Tirth seeking, Peace and salvation of the departed sacred fishes, Restoration of sanctity and purity of the holy springs, Return of sacred fishes to the holy Kunds, Protection of the ancient living heritage of Martand Tirath
