The two-member committee constituted to examine issues related to the rights, rituals, and management of Lord Lingaraj Temple has submitted its interim report to Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday.
The committee was formed on the direction of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to study and analyse the Record of Rights (RoR) of the temple with the objective of streamlining rituals, services, customs, and festivals associated with Lord Lingaraj.
Committee Examined Records, Consulted Stakeholders
The committee is headed by retired Justice D.P. Choudhury, with Professor Prafulla Kumar Mishra as its member. It conducted a detailed review of ancient documents, temple records, and historical references related to temple administration, servitor rights, and ritual practices.
In addition, the committee held discussions with servitors, nijogs (service groups), and other stakeholders associated with the temple before preparing the interim report.
Minister Emphasises Respect for Devotees’ Sentiments
While accepting the report, Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said Lord Lingaraj is a deeply revered deity for devotees across Odisha and beyond. He emphasised that the State Government respects the faith and emotional attachment of devotees and is committed to ensuring that temple rituals and services are conducted in a systematic, transparent, and dignified manner.
He said efforts are underway to ensure that the rituals, daily worship, and festivals of the temple are streamlined at the earliest, while preserving tradition and sanctity.
Final Report to Guide Long-Term Temple Management
The minister added that once the final report is submitted, all recommendations of the committee will be carefully examined. These will help in organising and managing rituals, festivals, processions, services, and related activities in a more structured and harmonious way.
Senior Officials Present
Senior officials present on the occasion included Pabitra Mohan Samal, Principal Secretary of the Law Department, and Shiva Prasad Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, among others.
