Bhubaneswar: A 10-member team of Puri Mukti Mandap Pandita Sabha on Sunday inspected eight chalanti pratima (idols considered to be living god) of Lord Lingaraj that are in dilapidated condition. The team is likely to submit a report in four days.

The team was also accompanied by two artisans from Kantilo in Nayagarh district. "We took stock of the idols and also discussed what can be done with them. We will submit a report to the temple trust shortly," said Uma Ballav Mohapatra, a representative of the Mukti Mandap Pandita Sabha.

The temple management was in a dilemma over whether to repair the idols or replace them altogether. During an inspection in 2015, the Sabha representatives had advised repair of idols. But, the artisans were not willing to repair the broken idols as they believe that the living incarnation of Lingaraj should not be repaired in its present form.

Executive officer of the temple Rajib Lochan Parida said that they were waiting for the Sabha's report before taking a call on the issue.