Mahanadi floodwaters reach periphery of Maa Bhattarika Temple in Cuttack Badamba; authorities on high alert

Rising floodwaters of the Mahanadi River have reached the outer boundary of the revered Maa Bhattarika Temple in Badamba block of Cuttack district as of Sunday morning. The rapid rise has now triggered concerns about the safety of the centuries-old shrine.

According to reports, the surge follows the opening of 20 gates of the Hirakud Dam, which has significantly increased the water flow downstream.

Sources stated that while the floodwater has touched the temple’s perimeter, it has not yet entered the sanctum or affected the deity. However, authorities remain on high alert as water levels continue to rise, with forecasts suggesting further escalation in the coming hours.

Rituals Continue Uninterrupted, Relocation Plan in Place

Temple servitors and the Badamba Debottar Department have taken precautionary steps to ensure that daily worship and rituals of the presiding deity, Maa Bhattarika, continue without interruption.

In case the floodwaters breach the inner sanctum, arrangements have been made to temporarily relocate the idol to a nearby sanctified storage room within the Rosha Ghara.. The temple administration has also asked servitors to remain alert around the clock.

Protective Measures Around the Temple Complex

Visuals from the site show the swirling Mahanadi waters lapping against the temple’s boundary walls, raising fears among devotees and locals.

The temple, which draws hundreds of pilgrims throughout the year, is located close to the river and has faced flood threats in the past as well.

Temple authorities have erected temporary barriers and taken structural safeguards to prevent water ingress.

Broader Flood Situation in the Region

The situation at Bhattarika Temple comes amid a broader rise in water levels across several rivers in Odisha following heavy upstream rainfall and water discharge from major reservoirs like Hirakud.

Officials from the Water Resources Department have confirmed that districts along the Mahanadi basin, including Cuttack, are being closely monitored for potential flooding.