Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Several temples along the banks of the Shipra River at Ram Ghat in Ujjain have been submerged due to a significant rise in the river’s water level following continuous rainfall in the region.
The incident occurred on the occasion of Rishi Panchami, a significant Hindu religious observance that follows Ganesh Chaturthi. The day drew a large number of devotees to Ram Ghat to take a holy dip in the sacred river, which holds deep religious importance in Hinduism, especially in Ujjain — home to the revered Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve jyotirlingas in India.
Amid the growing crowd, the local administration ramped up safety measures, deploying additional security personnel to manage the situation and ensure the well-being of pilgrims.
SDRF jawan Devendra Singh said, “Due to heavy rainfall, the Shipra River’s water level has risen today. At the small bridge, the water is approximately 2 to 3 feet deep. As today is Rishi Panchami, there is a large gathering of devotees. We are urging them not to venture into deep waters and to take a holy dip only near the banks for their safety.”
Explaining the significance of the day, Pandit Sanjay Trivedi said, “Rishi Panchami is observed on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. It is predominantly a women’s festival where devotees fast, bathe in sacred rivers, and listen to religious discourses to seek good health and spiritual cleansing.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rains persist in the region, and pilgrims are being advised to follow safety protocols while performing rituals
