Bhubaneswar, April 6: Rituals at Lingaraj Temple were disrupted on Monday following a dispute over the “Rupa Ghodaṇi” (silver covering), leading to a complete halt in the daily rituals.According to reports, the incident took place around 9 AM, after which the temple rituals have remained suspended. The conflict erupted between members of the Badu Nijog and Suar Nijog, two groups of servitors, inside the sanctum sanctorum, triggering a tense situation.Badu Nijog Secretary Kamala Kanta Badu alleged that he was threatened with death by members of the Suar Nijog. He further informed that the matter has been reported to the temple administration, and a verbal complaint has also been lodged with the police.He also accused the Suar Nijog members of attempting to take away the “Rupa Ghodaṇi,” which is placed to safeguard the Shiva Lingam of Lord Lingaraj.Temple authorities are yet to issue an official statement, and efforts are underway to resolve the dispute and resume normal rituals.
