Temple Rituals / Lord Lingaraj’s Rituals Halted Again
·2 months ago·2 min read
Key Points
- Rituals at Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar remained suspended on Makar Sankranti due to disputes
- The conflict led to the cancellation of the Ghritakambal Niti and a complete halt of all rituals for the second consecutive day.
- The issue is pending in court with the next hearing in February 2026
Bhubaneswar, Jan 14: The rituals of Lord Lingaraj at the famous Lingaraj Temple remained suspended on the occasion of Makar Sankranti today following disputes between the Brahmin and Badu servitors.
According to reports, the conflict arose yesterday over the Kshir Outa Niti (milk offering ritual), which led to the suspension of temple proceedings. As a result, the Ghritakambal Niti (ghee ritual) could not be performed, and today all rituals have also been halted.
The Brahmin Nijog (association) stated that until a separate law governing Lord Lingaraj’s temple affairs is enacted, such disputes will continue. They noted that until 2024, the Badu servitors performed the Ghritakambal Niti, but in 2025 changes were introduced, sparking questions and objections from the Badu Nijog.
The matter is currently pending in court, with the next hearing scheduled for February 2026.
Also read: All Official Work Only In Odia, Odisha Govt Issues Directive
Temple administration has been criticised for not intervening. Officials could have excluded the disputed Kshir Outa Niti while allowing other rituals to proceed, but no steps have been taken since yesterday, resulting in a complete halt of rituals during Makar Sankranti.
According to reports, the conflict arose yesterday over the Kshir Outa Niti (milk offering ritual), which led to the suspension of temple proceedings. As a result, the Ghritakambal Niti (ghee ritual) could not be performed, and today all rituals have also been halted.
The Brahmin Nijog (association) stated that until a separate law governing Lord Lingaraj’s temple affairs is enacted, such disputes will continue. They noted that until 2024, the Badu servitors performed the Ghritakambal Niti, but in 2025 changes were introduced, sparking questions and objections from the Badu Nijog.
The matter is currently pending in court, with the next hearing scheduled for February 2026.
Also read: All Official Work Only In Odia, Odisha Govt Issues Directive
Temple administration has been criticised for not intervening. Officials could have excluded the disputed Kshir Outa Niti while allowing other rituals to proceed, but no steps have been taken since yesterday, resulting in a complete halt of rituals during Makar Sankranti.
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