Rain Fury Halts Himachal Pilgrimages; Swollen River Submerges Mandi's Panchvaktra Temple, Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib Flooded

The experts said warnings about the need for better preparedness, forecasting and measures to protect the Himalayan ecology have only gone unheeded.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 11 July 2023 7:10 am

Submerged Panchvaktra Temple in swollen Beas river due to heavy monsoon rainfall in Mandi.

Rain fury has caused devastation across India’s northern states with hilly-state Himachal Pradesh facing the maximum brunt.

The visuals from the state following incessant downpour have been heart wrenching.

The nature’s fury has been a reminder of the general lack of preparedness to the annual monsoon rains, which are predicted to only become worse as the climate crisis shifts weather patterns, the experts lament.

In 2013 when a sudden surge in monsoon rains led to catastrophic flooding that claimed the lives of 6,000 people in Uttarakhand. Since then, warnings about the need for better preparedness, forecasting and measures to protect the Himalayan ecology have only gone unheeded.

The videos showed roads caved in the state, properties getting washed away while rescuers were seen braving roaring waters to save the trapped people.

Besides, its scenic beauty, Himachal Pradesh is also abode to various pilgrimage sites. These have also been not left untouched by the rain fury.

The images showed famous Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib in the state’s Manali flooded. It also showed its main bridge submerged under flood waters

Gurdwara Manikaran is a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Sikhs.

The rain fury in Himachal Pradesh also led to submergence of Mandi's Panchvaktra Temple.

The swollen Beas river after heavy downpour surrounded the temple’s premises. However, the reports said the submerged temple remains safe.

The inclement weather also forced the authorities to call off the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu.

There had also been the death of six pilgrims during the trek this season, according to the official statement.

Earlier, the state administration had postponed the pilgrimage till July 11.

The 72-foot-high lingam of Lord Shiva, where the devotees pay their obeisance, is located at an altitude of 17,000 feet.

According to officials, people have been known to suffer from hypoxemia (lack of oxygen) ahead of Parvati Bagh due to the high altitude. The 35-kilometre trek starts from Jahu in Nirmand. It is considered to be among the toughest pilgrimages in India.