Bhubaneswar, April 27: A 16-point reform proposal for the Lingaraj Temple was presented to Odisha's Law Minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan, on Monday. The recommendations, aimed at enhancing the temple’s rituals, services, and overall management, were submitted as part of the second interim report by the Satwa Lipi (Record of Rights) Committee.
The committee, which is tasked with improving the temple’s administration, comprises Justice Dr. Durga Prasanna Choudhury and renowned Sanskrit scholar Prafulla Kumar Mishra. The comprehensive reforms outlined in the report address various facets of the temple’s operation.
Among the key suggestions are maintaining discipline in the conduct of rituals, the renovation of the temple sanctum and kitchen, upgrading the lighting system, and introducing specialized training programs for sevayats (priests). The committee has also recommended better management of the hundi (donation box) and the resolution of long-standing land disputes associated with the temple.
Upon receiving the report, Minister Harichandan assured that the state government would thoroughly review the proposed measures before making any final decisions. He emphasized that changes, particularly those related to temple rituals, would be carefully considered to ensure improved arrangements for both sevayats and devotees.
The submission of the reform plan was attended by senior officials, including Principal Secretary of the Law Department, Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal, and Additional Secretary, Siba Prasad Mohapatra.
