Heavy monsoon rains across the Western Ghats and Krishna River basin have triggered severe flooding in parts of Maharashtra, with the rising waters submerging the revered Shri Dattatreya Temple at Audumbar in Sangli district. The holy shrine, situated on the banks of the Krishna River in Palus Taluk, was inundated after the river crossed danger levels, and devotees were worried about one of the most important pilgrimage sites of this region.
Despite the difficult conditions, temple priests continued the daily worship of Lord Dattatreya and safely moved the temple's sacred Padukas (holy footprints) to higher ground, earning them great admiration for their devotion and dedication.
Temple Submerged as Krishna River Swells
After days of torrential rainfall in Maharashtra's Western Ghats and upstream catchment areas, the Krishna River experienced a rapid rise in water levels. Floodwaters had already reached the Audumbar temple by early morning and entered the sanctum sanctorum.
Within a short time, the temple steps, courtyard, pathways, and inner shrine were submerged. Residents and temple authorities had little time to respond as the river rose rapidly during the night.
As pictures of the temple showed floodwaters around the ancient shrine, the intensity of the monsoon floods was affecting the Krishna basin.
Priests continue to worship in times of rising waters in the midst of rising waters.
Even as water entered the temple, the priests decided that the daily rituals dedicated to Lord Dattatreya should not be interrupted.
They performed the usual puja and gave the deity the usual incense, lamps, and food they would offer him. Their diligence during the natural disaster was hailed by the devotees, and it was described as a true example of faith and service.
The priests remained calm throughout the rituals despite the difficult and possibly hazardous conditions inside the temple, the report noted.
Sacred Padukas Shifted to Safety
After the daily worship, the priests focused on protecting the temple’s most precious possession—the sacred Padukas of Lord Dattatreya.
The Padukas were lifted to safety and carried through the flooded temple to a safe, higher place within the temple complex as the water level rose. Witness accounts of the emotional moment when the priests held the sacred relics above the rising water while they made their way to safety.
Later, temple authorities confirmed that the Padukas would remain in a secure location until floodwaters receded and that daily prayers would continue from the temporary shrine.
Audumbar: A Revered Pilgrimage Centre
Audumbar, on the banks of the Krishna River in Maharashtra's Sangli district, is one of the most prominent pilgrimage centres for followers of Lord Dattatreya.
According to religious tradition, Shri Narasimha Saraswati, the second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, performed penance at this sacred place. The temple, complete with ancient Audumbar (cluster fig) trees and the serene riverbank, draws thousands of people from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and other parts of India each year.
Although seasonal flooding occasionally affects the temple due to its riverfront location, residents say the water levels are now among the highest in recent years.
Authorities Issue Safety Advisory
With continued rainfall and water being released from reservoirs in the Krishna River basin, flood conditions are still severe in Sangli and neighboring Kolhapur districts. Police, local authorities, and disaster management teams have advised devotees and tourists not to go to the riverbank or go down to the submerged temple premises.
Emergency response teams are on high alert to keep a close eye on river levels and weather forecasts. People have been advised to follow official updates and not to go to flood areas.
But faith prevails in the face of Nature’s Fury.
The Krishna River has temporarily submerged the sacred Audumbar temple, but the spirit of devotion remains undiminished. The image of priests worshiping in floodwater and protecting the holy Padukas has deeply moved devotees across the country.
As the government continues to respond to the storm and to monitor the situation, the devotees pray for the safe recession of floodwaters so that regular worship at the historic shrine can be resumed once again.
