Fire destroys idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra in Odisha’s Brahmagiri

A pall of gloom descended on Kandgoda village in Brahmagiri after a devastating fire broke out in the local temple, reducing three sacred idols to ashes late on Thursday evening. According to locals, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were completely charred in the blaze, leaving villagers shocked and heartbroken.

Preliminary reports indicate that the fire was likely triggered by a lamp left unattended inside the sanctum, though officials have not ruled out other possibilities. “It appears the flames from a lit lamp spread quickly inside the temple, leading to the tragedy,” said a local villager.

As news of the incident spread, residents rushed to the temple, but the fire had already engulfed the sanctum. Though efforts were made to douse the flames, the damage was already done.

Authorities have reached the spot and started an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. The loss of the idols has left the community in deep sorrow, with preparations already underway to perform purification rituals before reconstruction and re-consecration of the deities.

Locals have urged the administration to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future, including installing better safety arrangements inside the temple premises.