Lingaraj Temple

4.6

Location: Lingaraj temple, Lingaraj Temple Rd, Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 to 2 hours

Located in the city of Bhubaneswar the Lingaraj Temple is an ancient temple and is the largest one in the city. The temple was built in the 7th century by King Jajati Keshari, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the name suggests. Because of the fact the Linga here, which is the phallic form of Lord Shiva, is believed to have appeared naturally and is highly idolized. Above the floor level, It rises to a massive height of 8 inches and in diameter, it is about 8 feet as well. One can easily reach the Lingaraj Temple using local transport which is located in the old part of Bhubaneswar Town. The palace of the temple has intricately designed stone vaults covering the main sanctum of the temple and is a great example of the Odissi style of architecture. Located in the northwest corner of the courtyard, there is a small temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati. However, only the followers of the Hindu faith can get access to the temple.

Attraction

The temple is one of the major tourist attractions of the state and is the most eminent landmark of Bhubaneswar city. In the city of Bhubaneswar, The Lingaraja temple is the biggest temple. The central tower of the temple is elevated at a height of 180 ft. The quintessence of the Kalinga architecture and culminating the medieval stages of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar is represented by the Lingaraja temple. For its Mahashivratri celebrations, the Lingaraj Temple is especially famous, when the whole sanctum is dressed up in flowers, lanterns, and lights. On a daily basis, the temple has as many as 6,000 visitors with Shivratri being a prime day of celebrations when this number waves to as many as 200,000 visitors.

History

From the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers, it’s believed that the temple is built by the kings. With four prominent components namely, vimana, Jaganmohan, Nata Mandira, and Bhoga-Mandapa, the temple is built in the Deula style, each increasing in the height to its precursor.

Inside/Outside Views

The temple complex is enclosed by a large compound wall with 50 other shrines. As the deity of Lingaraja was originally under a mango tree, Bhubaneswar is called the Ekamra Kshetra, as noted in Ekamra Purana, a 13th-century Sanskrit treatise. Unlike most other temples in Bhubaneswar, the temple is active in worship practices. There are paintings of Vishnu inside the temple, possibly because of the ascending prominence of the Jagannath sect emanating from the Ganga rulers. Both Shiva and Vishnu, the central deity of the temple, Lingaraja, are adored and worshipped. This is the only temple where The harmony between the two sects of Hinduism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism, is seen, the deity is worshipped as Harihara, a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva.

Opening Hours

Wednesday 6:30 am – 9 pm

Friday 6:30 am – 9 pm

Saturday 6:30 am – 9 pm

Sunday 6:30 am – 9 pm

Monday 6:30 am – 9 pm

Tuesday 6:30 am – 9 pm

Entry & Others Fees

There is no entry fee needed.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By air: Bhubaneswar Airport is the closest airport in the city. One can easily get a taxi or cab from the station to reach the temple.

By rail: Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the nearest railway station. To reach the temple one can hire a taxi or cab from the station.

By road: Bhubaneshwar is very well connected to the other major cities through the roadway. There are available public and private transports from Bhubaneshwar city to The Lingaraj temple.

Tips for Travellers

Do not damage or don’t make any harm to the structures you’re visiting as they are already damaged and have faced many losses.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes the place is safe to visit.

Que-02: Is photography allowed in this place?

Ans: No, photography is not allowed here as is a religious place.

Que-03: What is the best time to visit the place?

Ans: You can visit the temple anytime throughout the year, but as it is a religious place and wears a beautiful look on special days like Mahashivratri, it would really be pleasant for you to visit the temple then.