Mahanadi floodwater enters Maa Bhattarika shrine premises in Cuttack’s Badamba

Floodwaters from the Mahanadi river have breached the boundary of the revered Maa Bhattarika temple in Badamba under Cuttack district. This comes after the release of the season’s first floodwater from Hirakud Dam in Odisha, causing river levels to rise significantly.

As per reports, the temple premises have been partially submerged, prompting the Endowment Department to issue a public warning through banners installed near the site. The Department has strictly advised devotees and locals not to enter the temple zone until further notice.

To ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incident, police personnel have been deployed in the affected area. The water level reportedly started rising from Tuesday morning, leading to concerns about potential damage to the temple structure and nearby facilities.

Authorities have also indicated that the idol of the Goddess may be temporarily relocated to a safer place, particularly the nearby Rosaghara (kitchen complex), if the situation worsens. The servitors and Endowment officials remain on high alert and are closely monitoring the flood situation.

Despite the water ingress, arrangements have been made to ensure that daily rituals of Maa Bhattarika are not disrupted. The Endowment Department of Badamba has taken extensive precautionary measures to maintain the sanctity and continuity of the temple’s religious proceedings.

Meanwhile, local residents and devotees have expressed concern over the recurring flood threats and have urged the administration to strengthen flood protection around the historic shrine.