Bhubaneswar: A Japanese tourist created a stir at the 11th-century Lingaraj Temple on Wednesday after entering the temple premises, which are strictly off-limits to non-Hindus. Following the incident, two men accompanying the tourist were detained by temple authorities.
According to temple sevayat Roshan Sinhari, the tourist was spotted near the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) by temple staff. When the sevayat asked him to leave, the two Odia men accompanying him began arguing, claiming that the visitor was their guest and questioning the authority of the temple staff.
“They said, ‘Who are you to tell me? Is this your temple?’ and continued arguing despite repeated instructions,” Sinhari said.
Temple authorities intervened and detained the two men along with the tourist. Further investigation is underway to determine how the visitor managed to enter the restricted area.
