Bhubaneswar (14 January 2025): Once again, the rituals at the revered Lingaraj Temple have been disrupted due to a dispute between the chief servitor and the group of Pujapanda servitors. Since yesterday evening, no rituals have been performed, and the deity has not been taken to the Dakshin Ghar (Southern House). During the sacred Pushyabhishek evening ritual, Lord Lingaraj is usually brought to the Makar Mandap.
Today, the Ghrita Kamal ritual for Makar Sankranti was supposed to take place. However, the chief servitor insisted on performing this ritual alone, leading to opposition from the Pujapanda servitors, who refused to cooperate. As a result, Lord Lingaraj has been left in the Makar Mandap since yesterday evening. This continuous individualistic approach by the chief servitor has prompted the Pujapanda servitors to decide to protest by blocking general darshan at the Simhadwara (Lion's Gate).
Following this, the Mahasuar servitors were to prepare the Ghrita Kamal using milk. Unfortunately, the ritual for Ghrita Kamal on Makar Sankranti has been disrupted again due to the same conflict. The chief servitor demanded to conduct the ritual alone, while the Pujapanda servitors opposed and refused to assist. Consequently, Lord Lingaraj has been left in the Makar Mandap since yesterday evening.
In light of this recurring issue, the Pujapanda servitors have decided to stage a united protest by blocking general darshan at the Simhadwara, calling for resolution and cooperation.
This ongoing disruption has sparked concerns among the devotees and the temple administration, who are urging for a peaceful resolution to ensure the smooth conduct of rituals at the historic Lingaraj Temple.