Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 -- Floodwater from the Mahanadi entered the sanctum sanctorum of the famous Maa Bhattarika temple in Badamba in Odisha's Cuttack district. After the river's water level continued to rise following the opening of 28 gates of the Hirakud Dam, the Goddess had to be relocated.

The rising water crossed the temple premises and reached the sanctum sanctorum. In view of the situation, the movable idol of Maa Bhattarika was shifted to the temple's 'Rosa Ghara' at around 3 am on Monday.

As the water level rose considerably, the temple authorities performed the required rituals before shifting the Goddess. The idol was moved safely to the Rosa Ghara, where the daily rituals are now being performed.

A temple priest said that ...