Baripada: Shrine of the presiding deity Maa Kichakeswari was partially damaged due to a lightning strike that occurred in Mayurbhanj district, today evening. Following the lightning, a part of the temple’s Kalash (finial), Trishul (a metallic 3-pronged spear) along with a flag fell off the top dome.

According to a private source, the shrine at Khiching under Sukruli block in the district was affected. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported in the incident. However, the incident is being considered as a bad omen. Similar lightning strikes had previously occurred twice on the temple.

“Such incidents are taking place due to negligence of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). There is no provision of adequate earthing in the shrine,” Parichha servitor of the temple Ajay Sahu alleged.