In what’s taken as an evil omen by many, the top flag of the Maa Samaleswari Temple was burnt after being hit by lightning on Tuesday afternoon.
Following the incident, devotees in large numbers gathered at the temple. While some of them termed the incident as inauspicious, some others stated that the goddess took the entire danger to herself and saved the Sambalpur residents from the lighting attack.
“The new flag will be changed after required puja and rituals,” the Samaleswari Temple Trust Board said.