Bhubaneswar, Jan. 13 -- A controversy has arisen over the hosting of the East India Bodybuilding Championship at the Bhajan Mandap near the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.

As per reports, the Purana Bhubaneswar Nagarik Mancha (Old Bhubaneswar Citizens' Forum) has objected to the use of the spiritually significant venue for a bodybuilding competition with participation of women.

Members of the forum described the women's bodybuilding event as 'cultural degradation' at a sacred place and staged a protest after the championship concluded. They reportedly sprinkled cow dung-mixed water at the Bhajan Mandap, claiming the sanctity of the space had been compromised by the event.

As per reports, the bodybuilding championship was held over thre...