Odisha govt announces ban on cannabis at all Shiva shrines

By Sukant Mohanty

Bhubaneswar, May 24: In a major development, the Odisha government on Tuesday announced to prohibit the use of ganja (cannabis) at all Lord Shiva shrines across the state.

The announcement evoked mixed reactions from different circles. While some priests and spiritual leaders hailed the decision, some others said they would hold detailed discussion on the issue as ganja is a part of offering at certain Shiva temples in the state.

In a letter to all the district collectors and superintendents of police (SPs), the Odia language literature and culture department directed the officials to take necessary measures to stop the use of the contraband at all Shiva shrines.

Speaking on the development, a senior priest of Lord Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar said ganja is never offered at the shrine.

“Ganja is not offered here at Lord Lingaraj temple. I have also visited many Shiva shrines in Odisha, but ganja is offered nowhere. I welcome the move of the Odisha government.”

On the other hand, Bijay Kumar Das, chief servitor of Akhandalamani shrine, a famous Shiva temple in Bhadrak district, said, “Ganja or Bhang is used during the ‘Gharsana’ ritual of Lord Shiva and this is a century-old tradition. The ‘Gharsana’ bhog is offered to the devotees. If the government bans the use of ganja at the Lord Shiva, we will hold discussions with the concerned authorities. But if the ban is aimed at the devotees, I welcome the move.”

Commenting on the development, Padma Shri Baba Balia said, “We have written a letter to the government requesting a ban on ganja at Shiva shrines. I thank the Odisha government for banning the contraband at the shrines. Ganja can be offered as ‘dhupa’ at the shrine but should not be distributed among devotees for consumption. The ban will curb health hazards among the youth.”

“It is against religion when someone raises questions about our belief. What we offer to Lord Shiva is our personal beliefs and values. Raising questions over it is not right,” said a devotee at Akhandalamani temple.