Cuttack: Floodwater of the Mahanadi River entered the temple of Maa Bhattarika, the revered Goddess of in Narasinghpur area of Odisha’s Cuttack district on Sunday.
The river has been swelling following discharge of excess water from the Hirakud reservoir in Sambalpur district in last few days.
Temple priests and officials of the Endowment department are making preparations to shift the idol of Maa Bhattarika to another place as a safety measure. The district administration is assisting the temple administration in the shifting process.
Villagers in low-lying areas of the Hirakud dam have also been alerted about flood-like situation.
Officials have urged the locals not to go near the Mahanadi River for bathing and other purposes because of strong current.
The flooding, however, did not impact the rituals at the temple as the Endowment Department immediately relocated the idol to a safer place.
The rituals were conducted after Suddha Snana. Mangal Alati, Ballabhlagi and Chandan Lagi rituals were conducted and then Sakhala Dhupa was done.
As per Water Resources Department, around 5.50 lakh cusecs of water are expected to pass through in Mahanadi by 6 pm at Mundali in Cuttack district on Sunday following release of water from the Hirakud reservoir. There is no cause for concern as this is within manageable limits, officials said.
