Lingaraj Temple Ordinance Marks A New Future In Temple Administration

Lingaraj Temple Ordinance Marks A New Future In Temple Administration

The Lingaraj Temple has not only attracted devotees and pilgrims but also tourists for centuries.
Even before the temple city of Bhubaneswar made its mark on the map, the iconic temple has
been a major point of attraction of Ekamrakshetra. On November 14, the Odisha government
approved the much-awaited Lingaraj Temple Ordinance for better management of the 11th
century CE temple’s affairs.

Since the Odisha Legislative Assembly is not in session, the new Special Act is proposed to be
enacted through this ordinance. The proposal for the constitution of a Committee that will look
after the management of the affairs of the Lingaraj temple, other temples and mathas for better
administration and governance was also cleared by the cabinet. The Lingaraj Temple Act will be
in lines with Sri Jagannath Temple of Puri. Right now the Lingaraj temple is governed by the
Odisha Hindu Religious Endowment Act, 1951.

The Managing Committee of 15 members will be formed and empowered to manage affairs of
the temple including seva-puja & nitis. The Committee will administer the temple and its
properties including temples outside the premises and mathas. The separate law will be helpful
in proper execution of the rituals, management and administration of the temple and its
properties.

This will result in ensuring the provision of better facilities to the devotees and pilgrims. The
Ordinance will empower the Committee to safeguard the property of the Lingaraj temple.
“Detailed provisions have been made in the proposed ordinance covering all relevant aspects-
constitution of the Managing Committee, its composition, responsibilities and power,
Administrator’s responsibilities and power, maintenance and management of movable and
immovable properties of the temple,” said an official release. The ordinance will also clearly
define the roles and responsibilities of the servitors, constitution of the temple fund and its
management.