Cuttack: A lightning struck the historic Chandi Mandir in Cuttack on Sunday, damaging the pinnacle (Dadhinauti).
The damage occurred during a severe Kalbaisakhi storm which brought heavy downpour, intense lightning and winds up to 80 kmph.
“The Dadhinauti of the temple was damaged due to the lightning strike. A piece of stone and an iron clamp fell off the structure. We have never witnessed such kind of incident in several years,” said a priest of the shrine.
No injury has been reported.
The state government had sanctioned Rs 70 crore in 2022 for renovation and restoration work of the temple. However, the project is yet to be completed.
The incident sparked intense discussion among devotees and locals over reports claiming that the temple did not have a lightning arrester.
An official of the temple, however, rejected such talk.
“The lightning arrester might have developed some glitches. We have informed the incident to the higher authorities. They will take the necessary steps,” he said.
