Rising Mahanadi water casts shadow on Durga puja festivity at Maa Bhattarika shrine in Cuttack

The floodwaters of the Mahanadi river reached the foothills of Maa Bhattarika Temple in Cuttack's Badamba area, sparking concern among the administration and the local festival committee on the day of Saptami Puja. Water levels have been rising steadily since Sunday morning, and if the situation worsens by tonight, Maa’s idol will have to be relocated for safety.

At present, 10 gates of the Hirakud dam in Odisha are open. Heavy rainfall in the downstream regions has further swelled the river, intensifying fears of flooding inside the temple premises. If water enters the sanctum, the idol will be shifted to the kitchen adjacent to the temple.

Authorities on High Alert

Temple servitors have been placed on high alert, while the Endowment Commission is closely monitoring the situation. Extensive arrangements have been made to ensure uninterrupted rituals and worship.

Bipin Pubra, Supervisor of the Endowment Commission, said, “This is the fourth flood in the Mahanadi River. The ODRAF and Fire Department personnel are on high alert. The local administration has also deployed police in the area. They are ensuring smooth darshan for devotees. The rituals are being followed and if the water level rises further then the Goddess will be shifted after discussions with the Badamba Tehsildar.”

With the water inching closer, authorities are prepared to safeguard the sanctity of the rituals while ensuring the safety of Maa’s idol amidst the swelling floodwaters.