Three Individuals Injured in Mishap During Ritual at Odisha's Lingaraj Temple

Three individuals, including a servitor and a police officer, sustained injuries during an accident at the Shree Lingaraj temple on Wednesday night. The mishap occurred while transporting the 'Mahadeepa' burning lamp to the top of the temple, officials reported.

The incident took place at approximately 10:40 pm as the servitor ascended the 11th-century Lord Shiva shrine, holding the 'Mahadeepa' in one hand. He was injured during this process. Another servitor subsequently carried the Mahadeepa to the top of the shrine.

Injuries and Hospitalisation

Khurda District Collector Chanchal Rana confirmed that the injured servitor, Jogendra Samartha, aged 50, was admitted to Capital Hospital. Bhubaneswar-Ekamra MLA Babu Singh stated that two others, including a policeman, suffered burns from hot oil spillage when the servitor fell.

A doctor at the hospital mentioned that the servitor had injuries on an eyelid and his head. Meanwhile, the other two injured individuals received first-aid treatment and were discharged from the hospital shortly after.

Significance of the Ritual

The lighting of the 'Mahadeepa' signifies the conclusion of a day-long fast observed during Maha Shivratri. Thousands of devotees had gathered to witness this significant ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan visited the hospital to check on the health condition of the injured servitor. They expressed concern for his well-being and enquired about his recovery progress.