Bhubaneswar, May 5: A recent photo of Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen taken inside the iconic Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar has sparked a wave of controversy, as it was shared on social media despite the temple's strict no-phone policy.
The image, reportedly captured by a temple servitor during Sen's visit, has raised concerns about the enforcement of the temple's rules banning photography and the use of mobile phones.
The incident was brought to light by Temple Executive Officer and Additional District Magistrate Rudra Prasad Mohanty, who confirmed that the matter would be discussed with the Lingaraj Temple Trust Board.
Servitor Biranchi Narayan Pati, a senior temple official, expressed disappointment over the breach, calling it “unfortunate” and emphasizing the need for more stringent measures to ensure the rules are followed.
This is not the first time the temple’s photography rules have sparked controversy. In October 2024, actress Shilpa Shetty was also seen recording her visit to the temple, which led to public backlash and a show-cause notice being issued to a temple official involved in the incident.
