Bhubaneswar, Jan 14: The revered Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar witnessed disruption of rituals for the second consecutive day as disputes between servitor groups escalated during the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti on Wednesday. Devotees expressed anguish as Lord Lingaraj remained without offerings and rituals, a rare occurrence on such a significant festival.

The conflict reportedly arose between the Brahmin and Badu servitor groups over the conduct of the ‘Kshira Outa’ ritual. Following Tuesday evening’s disagreement, the temple’s daily rituals were halted after the Sandhyadhupa ceremony, with only the Pahuda (night ritual) performed late at night. On Wednesday morning, despite the festive atmosphere of Makar Sankranti, the deity remained without offerings, leaving devotees deeply distressed.

Large numbers of worshippers gathered at the temple, voicing disappointment and questioning why disputes among servitors repeatedly affect the sanctity of rituals. “It is painful to see Lord Lingaraj kept fasting on such a holy day. Why are servitors playing with the emotions of devotees?” said a devotee, reflecting the widespread sentiment.

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Meanwhile, representatives of the Sevayat groups staged a demonstration outside the temple, demanding immediate resumption of rituals and calling for a separate law to govern the management of Lingaraj Temple. Neelamani Mishra, organiser of the Sevayat representative body, stressed that repeated disruptions highlight the need for stronger administrative intervention.

This is not the first time disputes have disrupted rituals at the temple. Last year, similar disagreements over the Kshira Outa ritual prompted intervention from the Temple Trust Board and the district administration, which issued directives to resolve the matter. However, the recurrence of conflict has raised questions about the effectiveness of such measures.

The suspension of rituals during Makar Sankranti has sparked calls for decisive government action. Devotees and cultural observers argue that repeated disruptions undermine the spiritual sanctity of one of Odisha’s most important temples and erode public faith. The administration’s silence has drawn criticism, with demands for accountability and stricter enforcement to ensure uninterrupted worship.