Jammu and Kashmir 2022: According to an offical, ASI expressed dissatisfaction with the administration of Anantnag district in South Kashmir and expressed concern about it.
Jammu and Kashmir 2022, The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday complained about a religious “pooja” held at the site of the Martand Sun temple in Anantnag. The Navgrah Ashtamangalam Pooja of the ancient temple was attended by Lieutenant Governors Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and Hindus. ASI has stated that the Temple of the Sun of Martand is one of the objects protected by the ASI, and as a rule, religious prayers cannot be held in such places.
“We have expressed our concerns to the local administration. I got a message saying it is a violation of our policy. We are not asked to pray. LG prayed outside the temple, not inside the temple. But even this is a violation,” said an ASI official.
However, the state has denied ASI’s misconduct allegations and made it clear that the governor does not require a permit to perform a “pooja” at the Martand Sun Temple, a monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Deputy Director Piyush Singla said this function was permitted under Rule 7(2) of the Ancient Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1959. Meetings or entertainment held by recognized religious customs or practices”
The day after Sinha participated in the “Navgrah Ashtamangalam Pooja” held on the site of an ancient temple, ASI officials said they did not seek permission from environmental authorities for these prayers.
According to the policies, if a site was an available place of worship when it was under the jurisdiction of an environmental authority, it will remain a place of worship under the rules.
However, officials said that the Martand Sun Temple is not such a place and must obtain a permit.
These protected areas that were active places of worship when handed over to ASI include Jamia Mosque, Srinagar and Fatehpur Sikri Mosque.
The 8th century Temple of Martand is one of the oldest sun temples in India and is a precious symbol of ancient spiritual heritage.
There was no immediate response from the Vice-Governor to this question.
On Sunday, Sinha took part in pooja with seers, members of the Kashmiri Pandit community and residents in attendance.
The Lieutenant Governor called the event a completely spiritual experience.
In this case, Sinha confirmed the government’s promise to protect and develop ancient monuments of cultural and spiritual significance.
There was also a discussion about the use of the tourism potential of the
area.
