Priest Refuses Flood Evacuation to Stay With Deity

In flood-hit Chitrakoot, a priest at the Bada Math temple on Ramghat refused to evacuate as the Mandakini River surged, submerging the area. Despite pleas from District Magistrate Pulkit Garg and Superintendent of Police Arun Kumar Singh on Tuesday, the priest insisted on remaining with the deity.

The swollen Mandakini had been flowing about five metres above the danger mark following heavy rainfall in the surrounding hilly regions. Floodwaters had infiltrated several temples, monasteries, shops, and homes around Ramghat.

The priest expressed his lifelong commitment to serving God, questioning how he could abandon the deity during such a crisis. He stated that whatever fate befell him would be according to divine will.

After considerable attempts to persuade him, the officials resumed their extensive rescue and evacuation efforts. The unusual incident, filmed and circulated on social media, highlighted the priest's profound devotion.

Authorities intensified rescue operations using boats and loudspeaker announcements to urge residents in vulnerable areas to move to safety. The National Disaster Response Force was also actively involved as the administration managed the developing situation.