or the first time in the history of “The City of temples”, Jammu a unique and magnificent temple dedicated to Surya Narayan has been envisioned and designed by Martand Tirath Trust at Basant Nagar, Paloura, Jammu. It was Inaugurated here today.
A Yaga was performed on this auspicious occasion. Thousands of people participated at this auspicious occasion of Murti Sathapana of “Surya Narayan”. Sh. Omkar Nath Shastri performed Yagya and blessed the devotees. This temple consists of three main parts: First part represents Sun God riding a chariot pulled by seven horses. In second part, there are sculptures of Durga, Ganesh , Kartike, Parvati and Shivlings with Nandi; Third part consist of Yagya Shalla under the same roof of the temple. All the people appreciated and congratulated the Trust for dedication of art work and design of the Temple. After the Puran Aahuti, a Seminar and Pradershani on Surya Narayan was presented, which was organized by Sh. Bindraban Sher under the banner of Martand Tirath Trust. Sh. Amar Nth Vaishnavi the president of ASKPC was the Chief Guest and Dr. Agnishekhar was the guest of honour. Sh. Hari Krishan Sidha and Sh. Veer Ji Pandita were stage secretaries. Martand Rattan Bhushan awards were presented to five persons who have achieved notable position in Art, Culture and Education at National level. These awards were given away by the Chief Guest Sh. A.N.Vaishnavi. The awardees were Mrs. Suman Pandita, Mrs Sirja Razda, Dr. Maharaj Krishan Bharat, Sh. Maharaj Krishan Santoshi and Dr. Kirit Bushan Sidha. In addition to these activities there was a seminar regarding the Surya Narayana (The Sun God).
The programme started with a Kashmiri Bhajan composed by Sh. H.K.Sidha and presented by Sh. Ravi Kachroo and Mrs. Suman Pandita. It was followed by the welcome of honourable guests. The speakers spoke on the topic of Martand / Surya Narayan. They threw light on the ancient history of Martand.
Sh. Hari Krishan Sidha described the Martand Tirath as a door say of Heaven. Martad the birth place of 13th son of Kashap Rishi was the main reason behind the formation of valley of Kashmir, which was in the shape of a lake called Satisar. Dr. Maharaj Krishan Bharat described the Martand Tirath a powerful religious place, which has been a centre place of all the religious activities not only in ancient periods but at present also. Sh. Maharaj Krishan Santoshi spoke on religious significance of Martand. He mentioned Martand the best place for salvation and emancipation of sinners especially during the Inter Calary month. Dr. Agni Shakher applauded the Trust for their sincere efforts to uplift the society during this hard and critical period of Nirvasan (Displacement). He paid tribute to the high personalities of Martand Tirath who led their lives for the progress and prosperity of all Pandit community. He narrated the story of Sh. Kripa Ram Dutt a resident of Martand who saved the community from the cruelty of the then emperor. He recalled the ancient history of Martand when it was considered as a lighthouse to enlighten the path of progress and prosperity of the community.
Shri Bindraban Sher spoke about odds and evens faced by him to organize Surya Pradershani. He thanked Sh. A.K.Sidha president of Martand Tirath Turst for giving him a chance to present Pradershani in attractful manner.
Shri Bhola Nath Chairman showed his satisfaction on the successful organization of three phased programme. The Chief Guest Sh. Vaishnavi congratulated the Turst for organizing such a unique and well prepared programme of our community. He appreciated the way of encouraging the talented personalities of the community. Sh. Ashok Kumar Sidha the president of the Trust in his impressionable speech thanked all the dignitaries, guests and public for participating this programme. He appreciated all the workers who were directly or indirectly involved in making the programme successful.