New Delhi: Special prayers and religious rituals are being held at prominent temples across India for the speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was seriously injured while responding to an attack on Flydubai Flight FZ1073.
At Gujarat’s Somnath Temple, special worship was performed for Machchhar’s health and long life. A continuous Mahamrityunjaya Mantra japa ritual has also been initiated as part of the prayers.
Special worship at Somnath Temple
The official social media handle of Shree Somnath Temple said a special grand worship was conducted at the first Jyotirlinga for Machchhar’s recovery.
The temple authorities praised the pilot’s courage and dedication, saying he displayed exceptional bravery during the flight to Tel Aviv and helped prevent the situation from escalating.
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, traditionally associated with prayers for health, protection and longevity, is being continuously recited for the pilot’s recovery.
The temple authorities prayed that the blessings of Lord Shiva would help Machchhar regain complete health.
Prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Dham
Similar religious observances are being organised at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi to honour Machchhar’s courage and pray for his recovery.
Special ceremonies are scheduled during the evening Ganga Aarti at Namo Ghat and Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Ghat.
As part of the programme, 21 scholars will perform Rudrabhishek using Kusha water, while 11 scholars will chant 100,000 Mahamrityunjaya mantras.
The organisers said the ceremonies recognise the pilot’s courage and dedication while reflecting the Indian ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which conveys the idea that the world is one family.
The Hanuman Chalisa was also recited at Patalpuri Math in Kashi, with devotees praying for Machchhar’s early recovery.
Pilot injured during flight
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the mid-air incident occurred.
According to the report, the co-pilot attacked Captain Machchhar, stabbing him and attempting to take control of the aircraft. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar reportedly unlocked the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar was admitted to a hospital in Tabuk for treatment.
The incident has drawn attention to the pilot’s actions during the emergency, with tributes and prayers being offered for his recovery at different locations across India.
PM Modi praises pilot’s courage
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Machchhar’s actions and expressed concern for his well-being.
Modi said Machchhar had demonstrated courage by acting despite the danger to his own life and credited him with preventing what he described as another 9/11-like attack.
“140 crore Indians salute Captain Smit and are praying for his well-being,” Modi said.
The prayers at Somnath, Kashi and other religious centres have added to the public expressions of support for the injured pilot. Devotees and temple authorities are continuing special rituals while hoping for his return to full health.