Cuttack, Jul 8: The floodwaters of the Mahanadi River have receded below the boundary wall of the revered Maa Bhattarika Temple at Badamba in Odisha's Cuttack district, bringing temporary relief after the river level had risen sharply.

According to temple authorities, the swollen Mahanadi had touched the temple boundary wall on Tuesday following a rise in the river's water level. However, the floodwaters have now receded below the temple premises.

Officials said the situation continues to be closely monitored, as any further release of water from the Hirakud Dam could lead to another rise in the river level. If floodwaters enter the temple complex, the presiding deity, Maa Bhattarika, will be shifted to a designated safe location in accordance with established safety protocols.

Temple priests and the Badamba Endowment Department remain on high alert to ensure that religious rituals and daily worship continue without interruption. The Endowment Department has also made elaborate arrangements to safeguard the temple and maintain uninterrupted observance of all rituals.

As a precautionary measure, devotees and visitors have been prohibited from bathing in the Mahanadi near the temple due to the strong current and fluctuating water levels.

Despite the flood threat, temple authorities said all daily rituals and religious ceremonies are being conducted smoothly under the joint supervision of the priests' committee and the Endowment Department.