Lt-Governor Manoj Sinha holds prayers at J-K's Martand Sun temple, ASI raises concern

Samaan Lateef

Srinagar, May 9

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha holding prayers at the ruins of the eighth-century ancient Martand Sun temple at Mattan in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district has triggered a controversy with Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI) raising concerns.

In the past three days, this has been the second religious ceremony held at the ASI-protected “site of national importance”.

As a norm, no religious prayers are held at the ASI-protected sites across India unless it is an operational place of worship, said a senior ASI official, on condition of anonymity.

However, the JK government denied allegations of violation. The administration  made it clear that no permission was required for Lt Governor  for conducting ‘pooja’ at the Martand Sun temple at Anantnag, a monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

PTI report quoting Deputy Commissioner Dr Piyush Singhla said that the function was allowed under Rule 7(2) of the 1959 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, which states that “nothing in sub-rule (1) shall apply to any meeting, reception, party, conference or entertainment, which is held in pursuance of a recognized religious usage or custom”.

A former ASI official said prayers were allowed only at protected sites which were functioning places of worship at the time the ASI took charge of them.

He gave examples of Jamia mosque, Srinagar, and Fatehpur Sikri mosque, which were taken over by the ASI when they were functioning places of worship.

According to Rule 7(1) of the 1959 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, meetings, receptions, parties, entertainment or conferences could not be held at a protected monument without permission in writing from the central government. Rule 7(2) says this should not apply to any event held “in pursuance of a recognised religious usage or custom”.

Sinha on Sunday visited Anantnag and took part in the auspicious ‘Navgrah Ashtamangalam puja’ at the ancient Martand Sun temple in Mattan, read a government press release.

The Martand temple is the oldest of the Sun temples in India and a symbol of invaluable ancient spiritual heritage.

After the prayers, Sinha said the government is committed to protecting and developing ancient sites of cultural and spiritual significance.

Former BJP legislator Surinder Ambardar and prominent saints from different regions of the country were present on the occasion.

Sinha was accompanied by Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Pandurang K Pole, Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar, and Anantnag DC Piyush Singla.

Hindu groups had been pressing for opening the temple for worship.

However, sources said the ASI had no plans to open the temple for worshipers in future.

With PTI inputs