Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar reverberated with chants of "Har Har Mahadev" even as rituals at the iconic Lingraj Temple hit a roadblock on the first Shravan Somvar.
A dispute between two servitor groups, the Pujapanda and Badu Nijog, over the distribution of Shravan tanka (donations collected during the holy month) stalled the temple's formal proceedings.
Despite the deadlock, the spirit of devotion remained unbroken. Jalabhishek continued unhindered, with thousands of devotees queuing under tight security to pour holy water on Lord Lingraj. The temple courtyard echoed with faith as worshippers performed jala-laagi, keeping the sanctity of the day alive even without the customary puja.
Meanwhile, Athagarh's Dhabaleswar Peeth in Cuttack district witnessed a massive influx of Kaudias carrying manasika jal. The shrine turned into a sea of saffron as devotees offered water to Baba Dhabaleswar, underscoring the fervor of the holy month across Odisha.