Normalcy has returned to the 11th-century Lingaraj Temple after a 24-hour deadlock left the deity "fasting" and rituals suspended. Following the Mangala Alathi today, thousands of devotees finally regained darshan after a tense dispute between the Badu and Brahmin Niyogs.
The stalemate began Tuesday night over the Navaka Bedha milk-pouring ritual, a conflict that previously shuttered the temple for three days last year. While a December administrative order assigned the service to the Suar community, a subsequent court stay fueled the latest confrontation.
The delay meant Makar Sankranti rituals were missed, sparking outrage among pilgrims and local authorities. The Ekamra MLA has issued a stern warning, labeling the disruption "unfortunate" and promising strict action against those responsible for stalling sacred traditions. With the intervention of the Brahman Niyog, the deity's seclusion has ended, restoring the temple's daily Nitikanti.