Located in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir, Mattan is a historic and sacred place that has stood for centuries as a living symbol of peace, unity and communal harmony. This sacred land presents a unique example of the coexistence of different faiths, religious tolerance and humanity.
Within the same complex are the historic Sun Temple (Martand Tirth), the historic Gurudwara Mattan Sahib, and a mosque located nearby. Together, they bear testimony to the deep and enduring ties among the Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities of the region. The place sends a powerful message to the world about how people of different faiths can live together in harmony.
A Land Blessed by the Footsteps of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Mattan’s history is deeply and spiritually connected with Sikhism. It is believed to be the sacred land where Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, visited in 1517 CE during his third Udasi, or spiritual journey.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached the principles of Naam Japna, Kirat Karni and Vand Chhakna, encouraging people to remember God, earn through honest work and share with others. His teachings are believed to have brought a profound change in the lives of local people.
Giani Satnam Singh, Head Granthi of Gurudwara Mattan Sahib, said that when Guru Nanak Dev Ji arrived here, there lived a highly learned scholar named Pandit Brahm Das, who took great pride in his knowledge.
To free him from ego and pride, Guru Nanak Dev Ji recited the sacred verse from Asa Di Var:
“Parh parh gadi ladeeah, parh parh bhareeah saath,
Parh parh beri paeeai, parh parh gadeeah khaat,
Parheeah jete baras baras, parheeah jete maas,
Parheeai jeti aarjaa, parheeah jete saas,
Nanak lekhai ik gal, hor haumai jhakhna jhaakh.”
The spiritual message of the hymn is said to have shattered Pandit Brahm Das’s pride, after which he became a devoted follower of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He later helped spread the Guru’s teachings and the message of Sikhism.
Martand Tirth and Its Importance in the Amarnath Yatra
Mattan is not only important for Sikhs but also holds immense religious significance for Hindus. The historic Sun Temple and the sacred Martand Tirth are centres of deep faith for Hindu devotees. The fish living in the sacred ponds here are treated with great reverence.
According to local belief, these fish are regarded as symbolic of the souls of ancestors. Devotees lovingly feed them rice and grain as an act of respect.
This tradition reflects how reverence for nature and living beings is deeply embedded in the culture of the region.
Mattan also has a close association with the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra. According to local tradition, the pilgrimage is considered incomplete without visiting Mattan. After paying obeisance at the Amarnath cave, many devotees visit the sacred ponds here before concluding their pilgrimage.
A Shared Heritage and an Exemplary Spirit of Brotherhood
One of the most remarkable features of Mattan is its shared culture and strong sense of communal harmony. Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs have lived here together for generations, almost like members of one family.
Whether it is Eid, Baisakhi, Gurpurab, the Hindu Malmas fair, or the Chhari Mubarak Yatra, people from different communities come together to celebrate.
This spirit of coexistence represents the essence of Kashmiriyat, a tradition that places human relationships above religious differences and spreads the message of peace and social harmony.
During festivals, Nagar Kirtans and religious processions passing through local markets are often welcomed by people of different communities, who shower sweets and shireeni as a gesture of celebration and goodwill.
Religious Tolerance and Mutual Respect
Every morning in Mattan begins in a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The sound of the Azaan echoes from the mosque, Sikhs begin their daily prayers at the Gurudwara Sahib, and Hindu devotees offer prayers and sing bhajans at the temple.
Despite the presence of several religious places in close proximity, there have traditionally been no disputes over loudspeakers or religious practices.
This reflects an exceptional culture of mutual respect and understanding, one that offers an inspiring example for the wider world.
A Symbol of Humanity
If one wishes to see an example of genuine humanity and mutual affection, Mattan offers a powerful one. The people here have long stood by one another irrespective of circumstances, and the spirit of mutual support has remained stronger than religious differences.
The sacred land of Mattan teaches that despite differences in religion, dress and language, people remain connected by a common bond of humanity.
Even today, Mattan continues to send a message of peace, brotherhood and shared cultural heritage to India and the wider world.
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