Committee Calls for Dedicated Lingaraj Temple Act to End Ritual Disputes
A two-member committee formed by the Odisha government has made a crucial recommendation. The committee suggests the state create a dedicated Lingaraj Temple Act. This act would govern the famous shrine in Bhubaneswar, much like the Shri Jagannath Temple Act of 1955 manages the Puri temple.
Interim Report Highlights Need for Clear Legislation
The committee recently submitted its interim report to the state law department. Retired Orissa High Court judge Durga Prasanna Choudhury and Sanskrit scholar Prafulla Kumar Mishra lead this committee. Their primary task involves reviewing and finalizing the Record of Rights for the Lingaraj Temple.
Among several suggestions, the committee emphasized the urgent need for a specific temple act. Such legislation would clearly define the roles of servitors during various rituals. It would also improve the overall management of the temple complex.
Current Governance Leads to Frequent Disruptions
At present, the Lingaraj Temple operates under the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowment Act of 1951. This framework has proven inadequate. Every year, festivals and important rituals face frequent disruptions. Servitors often clash over the ownership and performance rights of specific rituals.
These persistent conflicts prompted the state government to form the review committee last year. The committee's analysis points to a root cause. The absence of a dedicated Lingaraj Temple Act creates ambiguity and fuels these disputes.
Expert Cites Dilution of Servitor Roles
Committee member Prafulla Kumar Mishra explained the core issue. He stated that despite the existing Record of Rights, the defined roles of servitors have weakened over time. This dilution leads to constant fights between different servitor groups. Each group argues over who gets to perform which ritual for the presiding deity, Lord Lingaraj.
Mishra issued a clear warning. He said disruptions will continue unless a Lingaraj Temple Act clearly defines these roles. Mismanagement of the shrine will also persist without this legal clarity.
Long-Pending Ordinance Awaits Central Approval
The push for a dedicated act is not new. The state government cleared a Lingaraj Temple Ordinance in the cabinet five years ago. However, this ordinance still awaits approval from the central government. The delay has prolonged the temple's administrative challenges.
Government Pledges Action on Recommendations
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan addressed the committee's findings. He confirmed the interim report will be presented to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The committee is expected to deliver a final report after further discussions.
These discussions will involve all servitor nijogs, or associations. The committee will also examine all existing temple documents. Minister Harichandan assured that the state government will review all committee recommendations. The goal is to implement measures that prevent any future disruption to the rituals and festivals of Lord Lingaraj.
The government's commitment aims to bring lasting peace and proper order to one of Odisha's most significant heritage sites.
