Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has found herself in controversy following her visit to Lingaraj Mandir, where her photos and videos taken within the Mandir grounds sparked widespread debate. These images quickly went viral on social media, upsetting many devotees in the state.
The photography in a prohibited area has led to outrage among devotees, who have accused the Mandir administration of a lack of regulation and preferential treatment for VIPs that allows them to violate Mandir guidelines. Questions have arisen regarding how a camera was permitted inside the premises and whether different rules apply to celebrities compared to the general public.
As the controversy intensified, the Lingaraj Mandir administration issued a show-cause notice to a Mandir supervisor responsible for educating visitors on Mandir protocols, questioning the breach of policy. However, there is ongoing public debate regarding why authorities have not taken direct action against Shilpa Shetty herself.
“We have served a show-cause notice to a servitor and a supervisor in connection with the matter since they were seen in pictures with the actor. They have been asked to respond within seven days,” stated Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Rudra Narayan Mohanty, who oversees the Mandir administration.
It is worth noting that Lingaraj Mandir, like most Mandirs in Odisha, has strict restrictions against bringing shoes, leather belts, mobile phones, and cameras into the Mandir grounds. Yet, Mandir officials rarely enforce these rules, particularly for high-profile visitors. Security personnel, including an ASI, one head constable, five constables, and six home guards on rotation, are present on-site; while they often prevent general visitors from taking photos, influential individuals are typically exempt from such restrictions. Reports indicate that devotees and others frequently smuggle in hidden cameras and post unauthorised photos on social media without facing significant consequences.
Local MLA from Ekamra constituency Babu Singh has also expressed his disappointment over the incident, stating, “This is a matter of our sentiments. No camera is allowed even when the Prime Minister visits the shrine. Such incidents should not occur. We need to ensure they don’t happen again.”
He emphasised the need for celebrities to be informed about Mandir rules by Mandir officials and stressed that the administration must be held accountable. He called for strong action against any offenders, reiterating the importance of preserving the sanctity of the Mandir premises.
