Dhenkanal: Devotees of Lord Chandrasekhar (Lord Shiva) at the historic Kapilash Temple in Dhenkanal district faced disappointment on Mahashivratri as key rituals were abruptly halted due to a protest by the servitors and Chhatisha Niyoga.
The servitors stopped all worship and religious activities, sitting in dharna at the Jagannath temple at the foot of Kapilash hill. They expressed strong resentment against alleged excessive police intervention and high-handedness, particularly at the ghat road leading to the Kapilas shrine.
Several traditional observances could not take place, including the preparation of chaka pitha (a special rice flour cake offered in the morning) and the procession of the golden panch bakra from Deogaon store room for the sacred Nagabharan Besha (serpent adornment of the deity).
As a result, the Lord’s special Nagabharan Besha decoration remained unperformed, diminishing the spiritual fervour of the auspicious day. The Chhatisha Niyog members were reportedly barred from accessing the temple atop the mountain peak, forcing them to suspend rituals entirely.
Sadar Police SDPO and endowment department officials rushed to the site and engaged in negotiations with the protesting servitors to resolve the standoff and resume worship.
This is not the first such incident; similar irregularities and police interventions occurred last year. The servitors have demanded a permanent solution to prevent repeated disruptions, emphasizing that excessive administrative interference hampers sacred spiritual practices at this revered Shiva peetha.
