New Delhi: Captain Smit Machchhar was injured on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight after his co-pilot stabbed him mid-air. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
Machchhar, who flew with SpiceJet for 11 years before joining flydubai in 2022, was first taken to a hospital in Saudi Arabia. On Thursday, he was airlifted to Abu Dhabi for further treatment, where he is reportedly recovering.
As news of his injuries spread, prayers and special rituals were held for Machchhar’s speedy recovery at temples across India.
Prayers at Somnath, Kashi Vishwanath
At the Somnath temple in Gujarat, priests offered special prayers and began a continuous chant of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra on Thursday evening.
Visuals shared by the temple authorities showed two priests performing puja. The Somnath temple is associated with the belief that Lord Shiva appeared there as a fiery column of light.
The temple’s account on X said the prayers were offered for the “pride of the nation”, pilot Smit Machchhar.
“A special grand worship of Shri Somnath Mahadev was performed, and the continuous ‘Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Japa Ritual’ has been initiated,” the post said. It added, “May Lord Shiva, with His special grace, swiftly restore this brave young man to complete health. Jai Hind!” the post read.
At Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, 21 priests performed Rudra Abhishek, a ceremonial bathing of the Shivling, for Machchhar’s long life using kusha water, while 11 priests chanted one lakh Maha Mrityunjaya mantras for his recovery, Business Today reported.
The rituals also honoured Machchhar’s courage, dedication to duty and efforts to protect human lives, the temple administration said.
Special arrangements were also made during the evening Ganga Aarti at Namo Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Ghat.
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Prayers at temples in Delhi and Indore
At the Khajrana Ganesh Temple in Indore, prayers were held for Machchhar’s recovery in the presence of BJP leaders.
“His courage and sense of duty in adverse circumstances have made the entire country proud,” a BJP leader said.
In Delhi, a havan was performed at the Hanuman Temple in Jhandewalan. BJP leaders and workers also offered prayers at Kedarnath Temple.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted a message on X, saying, “His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength, and good health.”
Edited by Maryam Hassan