Odisha OKs ordinance to run Lingaraj like Puri temple

BHUBANESWAR: The state cabinet on Monday cleared an ordinance to govern the 11th century Lingaraj Temple here, one of the most prominent landmarks of the state capital and a key tourist destination.

Under the Sri Lingaraj Temple Ordinance 2020 — to be promulgated after governor Ganeshi Lal’s nod — a senior IAS officer of the Hindu faith, not below the rank of commissioner-cum-secretary, will be appointed administrator of the temple to manage its affairs.
The Lingaraj Temple complex thus becomes the second shrine after the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri to be governed by a separate law. Currently, the Lingaraj Temple is governed by the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowment Act, 1951, which is the common legislation for most Hindu shrines.
A 15-member managing committee — with seven government officers — will be formed to manage the properties and secular affairs of the temple. The panel will ensure that the daily and periodic rituals of the Shaivite shrine are observed smoothly. It will be tasked with maintaining order, discipline and hygiene in the temple. The administrator will be the chief executive officer of the managing committee.
‘Act to help streamline rituals’
Talking to the media about the new legislation, finance minister Niranjan Pujari said, “The temple’s rituals are comparable with those of Jagannath Temple. Since the Endowment Commission is entrusted with the upkeep of all temples in the state, it is difficult for it to pay special attention to Lingaraj. This is why people and servitors were seeking a separate act for Lingaraj.”
Notably, the state government has launched an ambitious Rs 800 crore Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action (EKAMRA) plan for the beautification of Lingaraj and its surrounding areas. The state has made a provision of Rs 150 crore for the project this fiscal.
During a spot assessment of the project on December 2, chief minister Naveen Patnaik had promised to bring about a separate act for the temple.
Servitors rejoiced at the move. “It is a historic occasion. This will help servitors and the shrine. It will also streamline various aspects of the temple’s functioning and rituals,” said Biranchi Narayan Pati, secretary of Brahmana Nijog, a group of servitors.
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