Bhubaneswar, Jan 15: Expressing deep concern over the disruption of rituals at the Lingaraj Temple caused by disputes among servitors, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan warned of strict government action if such incidents recur.

Harichandan termed the interruption of services at the revered Shiva shrine as “unacceptable” and emphasized that the sanctity of the deity's rituals must be upheld.

The disruption occurred on Makar Sankranti evening when a disagreement between Mahasura and Badu servitors over conducting the ‘Ghruta Kamala’ ritual led to a halt in proceedings. The presiding deity, brought to the Makara Mandap outside the sanctum sanctorum, has remained there, leaving the deity without offerings for two consecutive days.

To address the issue, the minister announced that a Trust Board meeting has been convened to urge servitors to resume rituals immediately. A single-member commission, chaired by a retired High Court judge, will be set up to investigate the matter and submit a detailed report within two months.

Harichandan further assured that steps would be taken to prevent future disruptions, stating, “The government requests servitors to ensure uninterrupted rituals until the reorganization of the Record of Rights. Normalcy will be restored soon, and the Trust Board will oversee a smooth resumption of temple rituals.”

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