Close encounter: Crocodile surfaces at Beechupally pushkar ghat, priest performs puja
Devotees at Beechupally were stunned after priest Anil Sharma performed puja to a crocodile that emerged from the Krishna River and reached the Pushkar Ghat. Forest officials and local fishermen later caught the reptile and released it into the river
Jogulamba Gadwal: Devotees at the Anjaneya Swamy temple in Beechupally were stunned on Sunday afternoon after a priest, Anil Sharma, performed puja to a crocodile at the Krishna River Pushkar Ghat near the temple.
The unusual incident left devotees and visitors shocked. Panic broke out after a crocodile, believed to have emerged from the river, reached the Pushkar Ghat. Visitors were startled after spotting the reptile, but what happened next took everyone by surprise.
Earlier in the day, the police had cautioned devotees and visitors about the movement of crocodiles following the recent rains. As Sunday coincided with a series of holidays, the Beechupally Krishna River Pushkar Ghat was crowded with visitors and devotees. After visiting the nearby Anjaneya Swamy temple, people were admiring the flowing waters of the Krishna when the crocodile suddenly emerged from the river and moved towards the ghat. The crocodile then entered a nearby building, according to reports.
A video circulating on social media showed Anil Sharma, a priest at the Pushkar Ghat who usually performs rituals for deceased Hindu ancestors, sitting before the crocodile. He chanted mantras and performed rituals, including abhishekam. Anil Sharma explained that the crocodile is considered the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Varuna, the rain god. He said he performed the prayers seeking abundant rainfall and prosperity for the people.
Later, the police alerted forest department officials about the incident. After reaching the spot, the forest personnel, along with local fishermen, caught the crocodile with ropes and released it back into the river.
