Kataka: As the Mahanadi River continued to swell, the floodwater entered the famous Ma Bhattarika Temple in Athagada area of Odisha’s Kataka district on Monday.
According to sources, floodwater of the Mahanadi has entered the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. As a precautionary measure, the idol of Goddess Bhattarika was shifted from the sanctum sanctorum to the temple kitchen.
Despite the difficult situation, the daily rituals and puja at the shrine are continuing without interruption. Priests are performing all rituals as per tradition at the temporary location.
Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under Section 163 have been imposed at Baba Dhabaleswar shrine in Athagada on the instructions of the Sub-Collector, considering the prevailing flood situation.
Entry of devotees and visitors into the temple premises has been completely restricted as a precautionary measure.
In view of the rising water level in the Mahanadi and the possibility of further flooding, restrictions have also been imposed at several religious places and temples located along the riverbank in Cuttack district.
The administration is closely monitoring the situation and has advised people to stay away from the riverbank and avoid visiting flood-affected
