Bhubaneswar, 10th Oct 2025: A heavy downpour accompanied by thunder and lightning on Wednesday afternoon caused significant damage in and around the premises of the Shri Lingaraj Temple.
⚡ CCTV Cameras, Inverters, and Lights Damaged
Most notably, all CCTV cameras installed for temple security have become non-functional. According to temple staff, inverters and electric bulbs have also been damaged.
Due to failure of the lightning protection system, priests and devotees experienced strong electric shocks during the thunderstorm, leaving many terrified.
There were around 35 CCTV cameras installed across different parts of the temple for surveillance, but only 12 were working before this incident. After the lightning strike, all cameras are now inoperative, causing serious security concerns — especially during the holy Kartik month, when thousands of devotees visit the temple, with Mondays drawing the largest crowds.
🛠️ Urgent Repairs Underway
Electrician Hemanta Mahapatra stated that all inverters and bulbs were damaged, though a few lights were repaired before evening. The rest will be fixed by tomorrow, he added.
🚫 Faulty Lightning Protection System
What’s more worrying is that, despite recent work on upgrading the lightning protection system, it failed completely during the storm.
Priests have alleged that the contractor, possibly in collusion with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials, used substandard materials for the repairs.
Due to the lightning strike, priests and devotees at various locations within the temple — such as the Garbha Gruha (sanctum sanctorum), Bhoga Mandap, Parvati Mandir, and Gumuta Ghar (main entrance) — reported feeling strong electric shocks.
They strongly demanded that the entire electrical and lightning protection system be re-evaluated and corrected immediately to avoid further hazards.
🗣️ Official Response
Rudra Narayan Mahanti, the Executive Officer of the Temple and Additional District Magistrate, confirmed that soon after the incident, discussions were held with ASI officials.
An ASI senior official also mentioned that they will hold an internal meeting tomorrow to assess the situation and take appropriate corrective measures.
Lightning strike caused widespread damage to the Shri Lingaraj Temple’s electrical and surveillance systems.
All CCTV cameras and lighting equipment were rendered useless.
Security concerns rise during the Kartik month’s high footfall.
Priests blame substandard repair work by the contractor and ASI oversight.
Urgent repairs are ongoing, and further action is expected soon.
This incident underscores the need for proper maintenance and high-quality infrastructure in heritage sites that are both culturally sacred and heavily visited.
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