Bhubaneswar: A major accident occurred at the Lingaraj Temple in the Ekamra Kshetra. Sevayat Jogendra Samartha was seriously injured after falling from a height of about 20 feet while ascending the temple’s crown (Chuda) carrying the Mahadeep at night. After hitting the temple’s stone structure and suffering severe injuries, he was immediately rushed to Capital Hospital in an ambulance. His condition is reported to be stable. Another injured Sevayat has also been admitted for treatment.
Delay in Rituals & the Tragic Fall
Despite efforts to complete the rituals on time, the schedule was delayed. Although the Mahadeep was supposed to be raised at 10:30 PM, it was delayed by 40 minutes. Sevayat Jogendra had just climbed about 20 feet when he lost balance and fell, causing the Mahadeep to slip from his hands and crash to the ground.
Severe Injuries & Hospitalization
Jogendra suffered serious injuries on his hands, legs, chest, and face and was covered in blood after hitting the temple’s stone surface. He had started climbing the temple crown using the traditional garland rope (Malabap) while thousands of devotees and fasting worshippers watched in devotion.
Following the accident, panic and fear spread among devotees, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Many questioned the safety measures for Sevayats performing the ritual and raised concerns about the Mahadeep slipping from the hands of the climber.