Cuttack: Floodwaters from the Mahanadi have reached the premises of the famous Maa Bhattarika Temple in Baramba after several gates of the Hirakud Dam were opened.
Though water has entered the temple compound, the sanctum housing the deity is yet to be submerged. The river level has been rising steadily since yesterday and officials expect it to climb further in the coming hours.
As a precaution, the temple administration and the Endowment Department have put arrangements in place to move the presiding deity if the water reaches the sanctum sanctorum.
According to a temple priest, if the floodwater enters the inner shrine, Goddess Bhattarika along with her ornaments, puja items and temple furniture will be shifted to the Rosha Ghara. The Rosha Ghara is a sacred kitchen room located within the temple complex on the pedestal of Ratnagiri hill and will serve as a temporary shelter for the idol and rituals.
Authorities said all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that daily worship and rituals continue without disruption. Temple servitors remain on alert and are closely monitoring the situation. The Endowment Department has also made elaborate arrangements to safeguard the idol and maintain the sanctity of temple proceedings during the flood period.
