After Puri, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Wishes An Encore With Heritage Bylaws For Lingaraj Temple

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday joined the growing chorus, demanding the withdrawal of draft bylaws framed by National Monuments Authority (NMA) for Ananta Basudev and Brahmeswar temples in Ekamra Khetra.

The proposed heritage rules, prohibiting construction within a radius of 100 metres of any archaeological site, undermine the Odisha government’s plan to develop the Lingaraj Temple and its surroundings as a heritage site at the cost of Rs 700 crore.

“It would have been appropriate for the central agencies to take the state into confidence on sensitive religious issues,” the CM tweeted.

He also requested the MPs from Odisha to take up this sensitive matter with the Centre and Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel.

“It involves the sentiments of lakhs of devotees of Odisha, lives and livelihood of sevayats, linked to the smooth conduct of Nitis of Lord Lingaraj,” he added.

Here are his tweets:

Central Govt should immediately withdraw the National Monuments Authority Draft Bylaws on Ananta Basudev & Brahmeswar Temple of #EkamraKshetra. It would have been appropriate for the Central agencies to take the State into confidence on sensitive religious issues.

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) February 12, 2021

I appeal to all the MPs from #Odisha to take up this sensitive matter with the Union Government & @prahladspatel, as it involves the sentiments of lakhs of devotees of #Odisha, lives and livelihood of sebayats, linked to the smooth conduct of Nitis of Lord Lingaraj.

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) February 12, 2021

Though the NMA has not framed any bylaws for Lingaraj Temple, those for Ananta Basudeva covers a section of the 11th-century shrine in its regulated zone.

Also Read: Draft Heritage Bylaws: Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple Servitors Threaten Mass Protest

Also Read: Lingaraj Temple Authority Spells Out Impact Of Draft Heritage Bylaws On Sevayats, Rituals

The draft notification on heritage bylaws was initially released for Jagannath Temple in Puri and two temples in Bhubaneswar.

This sparked a controversy in the state and Naveen Patnaik during his visit to Puri on February 8 asserted that no one could stop the work of Lord Jagannath. The government is investing Rs 3,500 crore to develop Puri into a world heritage site. 

Delegations of BJD and BJP MPs also met Patel and mounted pressure on the Centre on this issue. Their efforts resulted in the withdrawal of the notification for the 12th-century shrine in Puri later in the day. However, those for the temples of Bhubaneswar remained in force.

Also Read: Centre Withdraws NMA Bylaws For Puri Jagannath Temple

Also Read: Draft Heritage Bylaws Restrictions Stay For Lingaraj Temple In Bhubaneswar!

People are critical of the fact that the bylaws equate Lingaraj Temple, where living gods are being worshipped, with museums and other monuments.