Panchalingeswar Temple in Odisha shut indefinitely; 4 priests stranded amid rising water levels

The main gate of Odisha’s famous Panchalingeswar Shaivite shrine in Balasore district has been closed indefinitely after incessant heavy rainfall caused floodwater to surround the temple’s puja mandap and cover the steps leading to the shrine on Sunday. Four priests who had gone to the puja mandap to perform rituals allegedly became stranded after water rapidly accumulated around the structure. With water flowing over the steps and surrounding the temple premises, movement in and around the shrine has become difficult. In view of the worsening situation, the temple administration decided to close the main entrance gate as a precautionary measure. The closure has affected devotees who had arrived at the popular Shaivite shrine on Shravan Monday to offer water to Lord Shiva. Several Kanwariyas who reached the temple expecting to perform their rituals were left in a dilemma after finding the main gate closed. Many devotees were unable to have darshan of the deity and expressed disappointment over the situation. The Panchalingeswar shrine, located amid the hills and forests of Balasore, attracts a large number of devotees, particularly during the holy month of Shravan. However, the ongoing spell of heavy rain has disrupted religious activities at the site. With water continuing to flow around the puja mandap and over the temple steps, the administration is closely monitoring the situation. The main gate will remain closed until conditions improve and access to the shrine is considered safe. “Due to heavy rain since last night, our temple area is completely waterlogged. Water has even reached the steps. Water is also flowing over the main gate. Therefore, for the safety of the public, and as per the instructions of our trustee and circle inspector, we have closed it indefinitely. If the water level recedes, we will decide to open the shrine again,” a functionary of the temple committee said. “Currently, about 5 to 6 people, including priests and our trust board staff, are inside. They are stranded due to the water. They have been instructed to come out once the water level recedes. The temple area is completely submerged, and water is flowing speedily. We request everyone to stay in safe places. We will inform you as soon as the situation improves,” the temple committee member added.