TV
Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has sparked a controversy after a photo of her from the restricted area inside Sri Lingaraj temple premises in Bhubaneswar went viral on social media. The incident has hurt the sentiments of devotees in the state.
As per sources, the Bollywood actress visited Bhubaneswar for the inauguration of a jewellery shop and visited the temple shortly after her previous engagements. However, the circumstances surrounding her photographs have sparked questions as the temple has a strict ban on mobile phones inside the premises for devotees.
The purpose of banning mobile phones inside the temple is to preserve the sanctity of the sacred space and for other security reasons. But this incident is not the first of its kind; there have been similar circumstances where famous celebrities were allowed to carry their mobile phones inside the temples that prohibit them from ordinary visitors.
Adding to the controversy, the temple supervisor was seen posing with the actress in one of the pictures, which raises further questions about the administration's enforcement of the rules as the supervisor is also the one whose duty is to ensure that all visitors adhere to the temple's regulations.
Many devotees are now questioning how Shilpa was able to take photos within the sacred space, raising concerns about the implementation of the temple's rules and the privileges afforded to celebrities.
Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh said, “This is a serious mistake and it has become repetitive. Even when the Prime Minister of India visits, they abide by the rules and regulations of the temple. All the celebrities who visit the famous temples of Odisha like the Puri Srimandir or Lingaraj Temple, they are clearly instructed to not carry their mobile phones. But still, these mistakes are happening. Strict actions will be taken against those found involved in such incidents.”
There has been no official comment from the temple administration or the servitors on this matter.
