Bhubaneswar: Devotees are barred from entering Lingaraj temple in Odisha through the Singhadwar from November 9-15 with repair work being carried out to fix the cracks that have developed on its walls.
The 11th-century shrine can instead be accessed through the north door.
Cracks were also found at the sanctum sanctorum and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is in charge of the conservation and preservation of the monument, has been accused of neglecting the protected structure. “There were hairline cracks. Neither the ASI inspected it nor took steps for its repair as a result of which the cracks on the walls have widened,” said senior temple servitor and Puja Panda Nijog’s president Kashinath Pujapanda.
A crack near the ‘Kalasha’ at the Singhadwar was said to have developed when a temporary door was erected after Cyclone Fani.
Badu Nijog president Anchal Batu and Brahman Nijog secretary Biranchi Narayan Pati also made similar allegations of neglect against the ASI.
Archaeologists suggested immediate repair of the enlarged cracks and an analysis to ascertain if these developed due to pressure or any other reason.
An ASI official told a local channel that the door is ready and is likely to be fixed by Tuesday. Other repair works are also being carried out and the cracks are being fixed by workers while the door is closed for devotees.
ASI Bhubaneswar Circle’s Superintendent Arun Kumar Malik had earlier told that the matter will be reviewed soon.
