Bhubaneswar, Oct 8: Daily rituals of Lord Lingaraj were delayed by nearly three hours this morning following a dispute between two groups of servitors over dala bhog (uncooked food).

The rituals were disrupted around 8am after sahanamela and could resume only after the intervention of the temple administration.

The temple authorities have allowed only the pujapandas to offer the bhog to the deity from August 17 following an order from the assistant commissioner of endowment. However, the decision did not go down well with other groups of servitors who have been demanding a clarification on the fruits that will be included in dala bhog.

This morning, however, the trouble started after the pujapandas alleged that the badus ( a sect of servitors) were doing the bhog ritual though they did not have that right.

“Everyone has been assigned their rights in the temple. But the badu servitors started offering the bhog to the deity. When we protested, they threatened us,” said president of the Pujapanda Sevayat Samiti, Kashinath Pujapanda.

He also held the temple administration responsible for the frequent delay in daily rituals as they had allegedly failed to ensure their rights to offer the bhog. On the other hand, the servitors of Badu Nijoga alleged that the pujapandas obstructed the visitors from having a clear view of the deity by gathering in front of it.

“If the badapandas have any problem, they should appeal before a forum instead of disrupting the daily rituals,” said secretary of the Badu Nijoga Kamalakant Badu.