Lingaraj temple row continues on day 3, high-level meeting at Law Minister’s residence
The controversy in Lingaraj temple continues on day 3 and as a result the rituals remain suspended in the temple.
Bhubaneswar: Rituals in Lingaraj temple remain suspended on the third day amid controversy among servitors. Lord Lingaraj has not been offered bhog as the rituals are not being conducted.
According to sources, the controversy in Lingaraj temple continues on day 3 and as a result the rituals remain suspended in the temple. On Janury 13, an argument erupted among the servitors over the conducting of a ritual.
Speaking to media, the Niyog servitors said,” rituals will begin only after the servitors ask forgiveness.”
After the Pushyabhishek Dhupa on Monday, Lord Lingaraj was taken to the Makar Mandap for ‘Dudha Abhishek’. This ritual is done by the Mahasuar servitors and is followed by ‘Ghrutya Kamala’. However, controversy arose as the Badu servitors wanted to do the ritual alone and the Mahasuar Niyog protested. Following the controversy, the Niti Kanti of Lord Lingaraj has been suspended.
The temple is open for the visitors but the rituals are suspended. Sahana Mela darshan is ongoing but no rituals are done in the temple.
Devotees are expressing grief as the rituals in Lingaraj temples are suspended on the Makar Sankranti. Many have expressed anger about the ongoing controversy.
A high-level meeting was held at the residence of Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. Debottar commissioner, Khurda collector, Secretary of Law department, local MLA and servitors of both the sides were present in the meeting. Strict action will be taken after the investigation is done.
