Bhubaneswar, 14 January (H.S.): Rituals at the historic Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar were disrupted on Wednesday, even as devotees gathered to observe the auspicious festival of Makar Sankranti, following a renewed dispute among sevayats.

According to sources, tensions between the Badu and Suar Nijogs escalated over the performance of the ‘Kheera Aauta’ ritual, leading to a heated confrontation. As a result, all temple rituals have remained suspended since the Sandhya Dhupa on Tuesday, bringing offerings before Baba Lingaraj to a complete halt and causing widespread resentment among devotees.

This is not the first instance of such disruption at the temple. Similar disputes between the two nijogs have occurred in the past, repeatedly affecting the smooth conduct of rituals. Last year, during the Nabanka Bedha ritual, a disagreement over the same ‘Kheera Aauta’ niti had led to the suspension of temple services.

Following earlier clashes, the Temple Trust Board Chairman and the District Collector had intervened and issued directives to resolve the matter. However, the latest standoff has once again raised concerns over the recurring internal disputes impacting religious practices at one of Odisha’s most revered shrines.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda