Lord Lingaraj goes hungry for third consecutive day as dispute between servitors continues

Rituals at the historic Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar remained suspended on Wednesday for the third consecutive day amid an ongoing row among the sevayats (temple servitors), leaving worshippers concerned. 

Since last Monday evening, the temple has not observed its customary religious activities, including daily rites and offerings. The discord reportedly stems from unresolved disputes between the Badu Nijog and Brahmana Nijog. Despite multiple attempts to mediate, the impasse persists, affecting temple operations severely.

In response to the disruption, the Brahmana Nijog, an assembly of temple priests, has urgently convened a meeting with the temple's trustee board. They are seeking a long-term resolution to the stand-off and have appealed to the Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan for his intervention. The impasse, stemming from disagreements between the chief servitor and the Brahmana Nijog, has led to a complete standstill in rituals for the deity.

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Efforts are underway to mediate and restore normalcy, with the Brahmana Nijog emphasising the need for immediate action by the authorities to uphold the sanctity and daily functions of this revered spiritual site.

With the impasse ongoing, there is growing concern about the impact on religious observances, significant not only for the temple’s community but also for devotees across the state. 

Meanwhile, the temple administration has assured devotees that efforts are underway to ensure rituals resume as soon as possible.