Bhubaneswar, January 14: While special rituals are being performed in almost all temples across India on the eve of Makar Sankranti, Lord Lingaraj in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, has remained un-worshipped on Tuesday.
Following an unresolved dispute between servitors, the presiding Lord of the Lingaraj shrine including the side deities, were also left un-worshipped on the Pusa Purnima on Monday, a significant day as on the Hindu scriptures, due to the impending issue.
Apart from the sacred Pusa Purnima rituals, several daily rituals of the Lord Lingaraj were stalled since Monday evening due to a dispute broke out between two servitor groups of the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.
According to the traditions, the Mahasuara servitors prepare 'Ghruta Kamala' after Lord Lingaraj is taken to Makar Mandap following the auspicious 'Pushyabhiseka Sandhya Dhupa' ritual.
However, the Badu servitor insisted on conducting the ritual alone, leading to the interruption of the sacred ceremonies.
Consequently, the Lord Lingaraj who was taken onto the the Makar Mandap,to bedeck for the Makara Sankranti rituals last evening , was left unattended. Since then no rituals have been performed yet(till the Tuesday Evening).The Lord has never been shifted back to his altar inside the southern sanctum of the temple.
According to reports, the government and the Endowment authorities are jointly trying to resolve the issue with amicable discussion. However, discontent among the thousands of devotees, is on the rise, who are sincerely waiting to witness the Makar Sankranti rituals of the lord on the pious occasion.
