Bhubaneswar: The ongoing spiritual and administrative transformation of the historic Lord Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar reached a significant milestone recently with the submission of the second interim report by the Sattwalipi Committee.
The high level committee, led by Justice Dr. Durga Prasanna Choudhury and Professor Prafulla Kumar Mishra, presented their comprehensive recommendations to the Minister for Law, Public Works, and Excise, Shri Prithviraj Harichandan.
A driving force behind the systematic progress of this initiative is Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal, Principal Secretary, Department of Law. Known as an ardent devotee of Lord Lingaraj Mahaprabhu, Dr. Samal has been instrumental in ensuring that the committee adheres to a strict and disciplined timeline for the presentation of their findings.
His deep personal devotion to the presiding deity of Bhubaneswar has translated into a rigorous professional commitment to restoring the sanctity and operational excellence of the 11th century shrine. Under his stewardship, the Law Department has focused on streamlining complex temple rituals and resolving long standing administrative hurdles that affect the daily worship of the Lord.
The report highlights approximately 16 key proposals aimed at enhancing the spiritual experience for the lakhs of devotees who throng the temple from across the country. These recommendations cover a wide spectrum of temple life, including the urgent repair of the sanctum sanctorum and the temple kitchen, the implementation of bright and aesthetic lighting systems, and specialized training programs for the Sevayats to ensure the continuity of ancient traditions. The committee also addressed crucial issues such as the management of the temple Hundi and the resolution of various land disputes associated with the temple properties.
Minister Shri Harichandan, upon receiving the report, emphasized that the state government is dedicated to creating a world class environment for devotees and nijogs alike. He noted that the government will thoroughly analyze the proposals to ensure that the Niti Kanti or sacred rituals of Lord Lingaraj are conducted with utmost discipline and devotion.
The ceremony was also attended by Additional Secretary Shri Shiba Prasad Mohapatra, marking a collaborative step forward in preserving the religious heritage of Odisha’s capital city. Through the dedicated efforts of officials like Principal Secretary Law, Dr. Samal, the administration aims to balance modern management with the timeless spiritual essence of the Lingaraj Mahaprabhu.