Kashi Floods: Iconic Shitala Temple Submerged by Rising Ganges, Worship Shifts to Ahilyeshwar Mahadev Temple

The relentless rise of the holy Ganges river in Varanasi has once again disrupted daily life and sacred traditions in the spiritual capital of India. The historic Shitala Mata Temple, located near the bustling Dashashwamedh Ghat, has become completely submerged due to the swelling floodwaters. However, ensuring that ancient spiritual rituals remain unbroken, the temple priests and administration have successfully relocated the sacred movable idol of Goddess Shitala to the Ahilyeshwar Mahadev Temple situated at Ahilyabai Ghat, where daily worship, aarti, and offerings continue without interruption.

Divine Abishek by the Ganges and Temporary Relocation

Speaking about this annual phenomenon, temple Mahant Avshesh Pandey (popularly known as Kallu Maharaj) explained that every monsoon season as the Ganges swells, the river metaphorically performs a divine abishek (anointment) of Mother Shitala, submerging the primary sanctum. To preserve religious continuity, a utsav vigrah (movable idol) of the Goddess was safely shifted to the Ahilyeshwar Mahadev Temple. Until the floodwaters recede completely and the silt and mud surrounding the original temple are thoroughly cleared, all daily rituals, Shringar (adornment), and evening aartis will be administered at this temporary sanctum.

Administration on High Alert Amid Rising Water Levels

While the shifting of the idol has allowed devotees to continue offering their prayers, the wider flood situation across Varanasi has created logistical challenges. The swelling waters of the Ganges have impacted multiple low-lying ghats and residential pockets along the riverfront. In response, local administrative authorities and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have stepped up relief and rescue operations, deploying water ambulances and rescue stations to assist stranded residents. Despite the hurdles posed by the floods, devotees continue to visit with deep reverence, demonstrating that unwavering faith in Kashi transcends seasonal natural challenges. Once normalcy returns, the deity will be ceremoniously reinstalled in her original shrine at Dashashwamedh Ghat.