The legacy behind the 'fishy prasadam'

Every year in June, with the onset of monsoon, the Bhatini Goud family in the city draws thousands from all over the world for administering the fish medicine which miraculously cures asthma. For the last 169, years the Goud family has been offering an amazing cure for asthma based on “the wisdom of the sacred sages of ancient India.” The medicine is usually administered on the day of ‘Mrigasira Karti’ which normally falls between June 7 and 10.

History

Veeranna Goud used to distribute a pot of toddy along with white bread to the laborers who had been working hard, making them quench their thirst and also creating merriment in their hearts. He was kind, generous and charitable by nature; he practiced charity by giving to the poor free of cost, a part of what was sold.

In the year 1845, a holy man happened to meet Veeranna Goud. The man was impressed with Veeranna's nature and gave this secret formula of some miraculous herbs and the place of administration of medicine. He blessed Veeranna Goud with this gift and also instructed him to distribute this medicine free of cost to the sufferers of this dreaded disease.

The secret formula of this wonder cure was passed to Shiva Ram Goud who later passed it on to Shanker Goud. Popularity of this cure was greatly gained during Shanker Goud's tenure. The practice flowed down to the five sons of Shanker Goud. Since then, the formula of the medicine has been found quite effective in providing a complete cure if taken by a patient for three consecutive years. It has been the practice of the GOUD family for the past 169 years to offer this medicine free to those who need it.

About the medicine

The fish medicine is kept in the mouth of live Murrel Fish (Channa SP/Ophio Cephalus), 2 to 2.5 in size and the same is slipped into the mouth of each patient. This live fish travels, wagging its tail and fins, through the throat and negotiates the phlegm congestion, providing a 100 per cent cure if taken for three years consecutively with the strict diet being followed according to their instructions for 45 days.

Controversy

In 2013, the Lokayukta directed the government not to sponsor such events. Lokayukta Justice B Subhashan Reddy said there was no scientific proof that the substance cured asthma. While observing that it was only a superstition, the ombudsman said Goud could continue practising it as there was no law restraining such practices. In 2012, a few thousand people turned up at the event, which was held at Katedan Stadium on the city's outskirts and was marred by stampede, in which one person was killed and about 50 others were injured.