Prayagraj: Flood water enters premises of Bade Hanuman temple

PRAYAGRAJ: After witnessing a rapid decrease in flood water in both Ganga and Yamuna in the last week, both the rivers had started swelling since past two days. Because of the increase in the level of water, flood water entered the premises of Bade Hanuman ji temple of Sangam area on the intervening night of Thursday-Friday.
Since Thursday evening, flood water had entered at the park located in front of the temple and by around 10:00, the waves of river Ganga were hitting the entrance of the temple. At around midnight, flood wter entered the temple and filled the hollow around the idol of Lord Hanuman which lies at ground.
Although, devotees consider the annual phenomenon of bathing of the idol of Lord Hanuman by Ganga very auspicious but since it happened on the day of Krishna Janamashtami, it was unique for them. As the flood water of the mighty river entered the premises of the temple, devotees started shouting slogans in the praises of Lord Hanuman and Ganga ji. Head priest of the temple, Mahant Balbeer Giri said, "After the flood water entering the temple, we perform Ganga Arti followed by abhishek of both Ganga and Lord Hanuman. After these ceremonies, we take a small idol of Hanuman and after touching it to the large idol, the same is placed above the temple and all rituals would be performed on it unless the flood water recedes". After performing aarti of Lord Hanuman, the main channel of the temple has been closed, he added. Meanwhile, as the news, of flood water of Ganga entering into the temple, spread in the city large number of devotees rushed to the Sangam area to have the glimpse of the holy event. However, the alarming rate of increase in water in both the rivers has put the administration on high alert. The water released from the barrage of river Ganga and Yamuna has caused increase of water in both the rivers. The water level of river Ganga at Phaphamau (at 12 noon) stood at 82.08mts and at Chhatnag it was recorded at 81.32mts. The flood water of Yamuna too is increasing and was recorded at Naini as 82.04mts.
In view of the rising water level of Ganga and Yamuna, the district administration too has activated 10 relief camps. All 99 flood posts have been instructed to remain active. Cleanliness has been arranged in the relief camps. Each camp will have the accommodation of 200 to 500 people. It includes Annie Besant, Mehboob Ali Inter College, YMCA, Cantt High School, Swami Vivekananda School, DAV Inter College, ML Convent, Jamuna Christian, Dr. Ghosh Marden School, Chetna Girls College.