Vegetation covers the dome and walls of Lingaraj temple and others temples on its compound in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16: The 11th century Lingaraj temple is regularly in the news for its religious ceremonies, rush of devotees as well as for the strife between priests and temple authorities.

However, what has not been paid attention to since long is the proper preservation of the temple structure that is slowly falling prey to threats from nature.

While there was a huge debate over building a fence around the lingam and shakti in the sanctum, the domes of the main structure and smaller shrines on the temple premises can be seen being layered by algae at many portions.

Wild grasses and vegetation that have developed on the temple domes, which is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), could lead to cracks in the structure.

“Layers of algae and vegetation dot the surface of the temple’s outer wall during the monsoon. They are usually cleared during the ASI annual cleaning process. If not cleared on time, the structure may get weakened and develop cracks,” said B. K. Rath, archaeologist and former superintendent of state archaeology.

On the occasion of Shrawan Sombara, thousands of visitors had queued up outside the temple, waiting for their turn to offer consecrated water to the presiding deity. But after the event, one could find mess around the temple premises. Local residents feel authorities should take proper care of the monument, which holds immense religious significance.

“The temple is visited by thousands everyday. Though there are different bodies to look after its affairs as well as preservation, there is much to be done for the temple’s proper conservation,” said Pratap Moharana, a devotee.

The decision to fence the chief lingam had earlier invited criticism from priests of the temple and there was a tiff between officials of the Lingaraj temple administration and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

While officials were asked to carry out the fencing by Orissa High Court, the ASI officials said any construction in the sanctum could threaten the ancient structure.

“We are here to look after the affairs of the temple. Any construction work, repairing or cleaning is the responsibility of ASI officials,” said Abani Patnaik, executive officer of Lingaraj temple. On the other hand, despite efforts ASI officials could not be contacted.