The water level of the Alaknanda River in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, has started to recede as the monsoon season withdraws, bringing a submerged Shiva statue at Belni back into view.
The upper part of the statue, which had remained underwater during the monsoon, has become visible again as river levels fall.
The Shiva statue at Belni is located on the Alaknanda River and has attracted attention whenever water levels fluctuate and reveal or cover a part of the structure.
If the rains are heavy, much of the statue becomes submerged and only a small portion is visible above the river.
At this time of monsoon weakening and water levels slowly falling, the statue is emerging from the river again. The sight has drawn attention from locals and visitors alike, and the statue always changes shape as the river levels rise and fall.
The Alaknanda is one of the major rivers in Uttarakhand and is a major part of the state's river system. During the monsoon, its water levels can be very variable because of rainfall in the Himalayan region and larger runoff from the surrounding areas.
Rudraprayag is significant in both religious and geographical terms. The town is located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers and is an important stop for pilgrims travelling through the Himalayan region.
The Shiva statue's changing visibility at Belni has become an important visual point associated with fluctuations in the Alaknanda's water level.
VIDEO | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand: Water level in Alaknanda river recedes as monsoon withdraws; upper portion of submerged Shiva statue at Belni becomes visible again.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 10, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) pic.twitter.com/FvKkyT8PHG
The statue gradually disappears under water as the river rises. As the level drops, some of the structure becomes visible again.
The latest change is happening as Uttarakhand moves beyond the peak monsoon period. The retreat of monsoon rainfall generally reduces the amount of fresh water entering Himalayan rivers, although river levels can still fluctuate depending on rainfall and conditions upstream.
The reappearance of the statue serves as a striking reminder of the close linkage of the Himalayan region to seasonal changes.
The river, the mountains, and the partially submerged Shiva statue make for a very different scene in Rudraprayag.
For locals and visitors, the return of the visible part of the statue is another stage in the river’s seasonal cycle.
Water levels continue to change, so more of the submerged structure can be visible depending on local weather and river conditions.
