Bhubaneswar: The interim report of the Lingaraj Temple Satwa Lipi (Record of Rights) Committee, constituted under the chairmanship of former judge Justice D P Choudhury, has been formally submitted to Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
The committee has prepared the report after an extensive collection and examination of ancient records related to all Nijogs (servitor groups) associated with the Lingaraj Temple. Once the report is enacted into law, it is expected to bring systematic regulation to the temple’s services, rituals (niti), and festivals (parba-parbani). Notably, the daily rituals of the temple are expected to be conducted more smoothly and without disruption.
According to Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, the Law Department will now analyse the interim report. After this process is completed, the document will be submitted to the Chief Minister for further consideration.
Speaking to the media after submitting the report, Justice D P Choudhury said the committee was formed with the objective of ensuring that the worship of Lord Lingaraj Mahaprabhu remains uninterrupted. He noted that comprehensive information on temple services, rituals, Nijogs, and festivals was collected from several authoritative sources.
“These include historians, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Odisha State Library, and other important institutions,” Justice Choudhury said, adding that the interim report has been prepared on the basis of this preliminary and historical information.
The submission of the interim report is seen as a significant step toward formalizing and safeguarding the traditional practices of one of Odisha’s most revered temples.
