Bhubaneswar: Due to heavy continuous rainfall, the famous Shiva shrine of Baba Panchalingeswar in Baleshwar district has been temporarily closed for devotees.
According to reports, the temple trust board has locked the main gate citing safety concerns as the water level in the hill streams has risen significantly because of the downpour. The decision was taken to prevent any untoward incident.
This being the second Monday of the holy Shravana month, large numbers of devotees, including ‘Kanwarias’ carrying holy water, had arrived at the temple from various parts of the state for ‘Jalabhishek’. However, due to strong water flow over the Panchalinga (five lingams) located inside the stone cave, touching and offering prayers became impossible.
Many disappointed devotees had to return without having darshan of Lord Shiva. The temple trust has stated that normal darshan and rituals will resume once the water level recedes and the situation becomes normal.
