Rituals at the revered Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar were disrupted on Makar Sankranti following a renewed dispute among temple servitors (sevayats), leading to widespread disappointment among devotees on the auspicious day.
According to official sources, tensions escalated between the Badu Nijog and Suar Nijog over the performance of the ‘Kheera Aauta’ ritual. The disagreement resulted in a heated confrontation, forcing the suspension of all religious offerings to Lord Lingaraj. No rituals have been performed since the Sandhya Dhupa on Tuesday evening.
The ongoing standoff has once again highlighted long-standing operational challenges within the temple administration, particularly during important religious observances. Devotees visiting the shrine expressed concern and dissatisfaction as rituals remained halted throughout Makar Sankranti, a day considered highly sacred in the Hindu calendar.
History of Similar Disputes
This is not the first instance of ritual disruptions at the Lingaraj Temple due to disagreements among servitor groups. A similar conflict had occurred last year during the Nabanka Bedha ritual, also centering on the performance rights of the Kheera Aauta.
At that time, the Temple Trust Board Chairman and the District Collector intervened to resolve the matter. An official directive was issued assigning responsibilities to different sevayat groups:
-
The Paraba Yatra Bisoyi was tasked with arranging firewood and setting up a temporary stove for the Kheera Aauta ritual.
-
The Ghanta and Megha Dambara servitors were instructed to conduct the Ghrita Kamala ritual.
However, the resolution faced legal hurdles when Badu Nijog Secretary Kamalakanta Badu challenged the directive in the Orissa High Court, calling it unlawful. The court subsequently ordered the Nabanka Bedha ritual to remain suspended until further hearings.
Current Status
Confirming the development, Lingaraj Temple Supervisor Rajkishore Mohapatra stated that the Nabanka Bedha ritual has remained suspended since Tuesday evening. With rituals not being conducted even on Makar Sankranti, the situation has caused emotional distress among devotees who had gathered to offer prayers on the festive occasion.
Temple authorities and district officials are expected to closely monitor the situation to ensure an early resolution and the smooth conduct of rituals in the days ahead.
