New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- 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 after managing to thwart an attack in the cockpit of Flydubai Flight FZ1073.

At Gujarat's revered Somnath Temple, special rituals were performed for the health and long life of Captain Machchhar. A grand worship was offered at the temple, while a continuous Mahamrityunjaya Mantra japa ritual was also initiated.

"For the pride of the nation, brave pilot Smit Machhar, a special grand worship was performed at the first Jyotirlinga, Shri Somnath, for his excellent health and long life. During the flight to Tel Aviv, displaying indomitable cou...