Mandakini River Floods Ravage Chitrakoot, Temples, Ashrams and Shops Swept Away

Several temples and ashrams at the site have been damaged or swept away by the surging river. Debris, including idols, is scattered across the affected area, highlighting the scale of destruction caused by the floods.

Local priest Naval Kishore Gautam said the flood situation in 2026 was particularly severe compared with the flood in 2003, recalling the destruction caused by earlier flooding.

Speaking to ANI, Gautam said, “After 2003, the flood in 2026 was very severe. It was more powerful than the 2003 flood. About three or four temples and ashrams here were destroyed. Two or three hundred shops in the market were also destroyed. The Mandakini River washed everything away.”

He said the area has again suffered extensive damage due to the current flooding, leaving people without regular means of livelihood.

“Anasuya and her husband Atri Muni performed penance and worshipped here. When Atri Muni was thirsty, Mata Anasuya used her power and devotion to bring the Mandakini River from this spot for him.... Now, many ashrams and shops have been destroyed due to the floods. The river water comes from far away and merges here. There are no means of livelihood currently. People are staying in ashrams and the hills. Once the Mandakini River level recedes, they will resume their activities as permitted by the administration,” she further said.

In view of the flooding, priests living at the Sati Anusuya Ashram have been relocated to safer places. Residents and priests are also stopping tourists from visiting the area due to the prevailing situation.

The flooding has also disrupted access to the ashram. Large rocks have fallen from the mountains onto roads leading to the site, while landslides and fallen high-tension poles have further affected the area.

With temples, ashrams and shops damaged or swept away and regular livelihood activities disrupted, the Mandakini River flooding has left the affected areas facing extensive destruction until the water level recedes and activities can resume as permitted by the administration.