Top UPSC Coaching

12 Apr 2022 Lingaraja Temple

Posted at 13:45h in Daily current-affairs by khyati khare 0 Comments

0 Likes

The central government has told the Odisha government that the state government’s ordinance to bring the 11th century Lingaraj temple located in Bhubaneswar and its associated temples under a special law is beyond the legislative competence of the ‘state legislature’.

Lingaraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest temples in Odisha and the largest in Bhubaneswar.
It was built in the 10th century by the Som dynasty king Yayati Kesari, and completed in the 11th century by Raja Laltendu Kesari. The Hindu Analysis
This temple is built in Deula style and built of red stone and is a classic example of Kalinga style of architecture.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple marks the climax of ‘temple architecture’ in Bhubaneswar, and is considered the cradle of the Kalinga system of temple architecture.

In this ordinance passed in the year 2020, 12 centrally protected monuments including the Lingaraj temple and three water bodies have been included.
Provision has been made in the ordinance for retail outlets for sale of goods inside or outside temples.
The lease or sale of movable or immovable property attached to the ‘Lingaraja Mandir’ will be overseen by a Managing Committee. Today Current Affairs
Provision has also been made in the ordinance for the repair and construction of new buildings.

According to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), several provisions of the proposed ordinance violate the ‘Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act’ 1958 (Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains – AMASR, 1958).
First, that the ordinance was outside the legislative competence of the state legislature, as it violates the provisions of the AMASR Act. Under the AMASR Act, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation and protection of these 12 centrally protected monuments.
As per the AMASR Act, a monument should not be used for any other purpose not befitting its character. Permitting the construction of ‘retail shops’ under the ordinance is a violation of this provision.
As per the AMASR Act, new construction is not allowed in prohibited areas (area 100 meters from the protected monument).