Hyderabad: Father of fish medicine Harinath Goud passes away; tributes pour in

Hyderabad: In the quiet hours of Wednesday night, a chapter of history closed as Harinath Goud, one of the Bathini brothers, breathed his last at his residence in Bolakpur Padmasali Colony, Hyderabad.

“He had been sick for a long time,” said a source close to the family. According to his family members, Bathini Harinath Goud's last rituals would be conducted on Friday.

Bathini Harinath Goud is survived by his wife, Barya Sunitra Devi, two daughters, and two sons.

At the age of 84, Harinath was known for his unwavering dedication to a unique healing tradition and left behind a legacy that has touched the lives of thousands.

Harinath Goud's Journey:

Harinath Goud was a name synonymous with the annual distribution of fish prasadam at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad. Born into the illustrious Bathini family, he continued a tradition that dates back to 1847. His journey was one of compassion, commitment, and the relentless pursuit of alleviating the suffering of asthma patients.

The Origins of Fish Prasadam:

The story begins during the reign of Nizam Nasiruddaula IV, the ruler of Hyderabad when Bathini Veeranna Goud of Old Basti Dudhbowli operated a humble Kallu Kapound in the Begambazar area. One fateful day, amidst a heavy downpour, Veeranna Goud noticed a drenched saint seeking shelter. Touched by compassion, he brought the weary saint home and attended to his needs. In gratitude, the saint shared a secret with Veeranna Goud – the knowledge of herbs that could alleviate the suffering of asthma patients.

The Saint's Prophecy:

The saint prophesied that if Veeranna Goud used these herbs to create a prasadam and distributed it freely to asthma patients on the auspicious day of Mrigasira Karthi, both he and his family would be blessed. From that day onward, the tradition of distributing fish prasadam was born.

The Annual Distribution:

Every year, on Mrigasira Karthi, the Bathini family opens its doors to thousands of asthma sufferers at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad. People travel from various corners of the country, often arriving days in advance, to receive this revered fish prasadam.

A family's dedication:

The legacy of fish prasadam has been passed down through generations. Veeranna Goud's son, Bathini Sivarama Goud, and his grandson, Battini Shankar Goud, continued the tradition, and today, Bathini Harinath Goud and Bathini Umamaheshwar Goud, among the descendants of Shankar Goud and Satyamma, carry forward the family's noble work.

Pause due to pandemic:

While this tradition has endured for nearly two centuries, it faced an unexpected interruption in recent times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For two years, the distribution of fish prasadam had to be halted to ensure the safety of all involved.

Government support:

Recognizing the importance of this tradition and the relief it provides to asthma patients, the government has stepped in to support the event. They work tirelessly to ensure that those seeking fish prasadam are accommodated and cared for.

A lasting legacy:

Harinath Goud may have left this world, but his legacy endures. His dedication to serving those in need, his commitment to the fish prasadam tradition, and his compassion will be remembered for generations to come. His passing signifies not just the end of an era but the passing of a torch to the next generation, who will hopefully continue this noble work.