Lingaraj temple dedicated to Lord Shiva also known as ‘Lingaraj' or harihara is situated in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the East Indian state of Orissa. The magnificent temple known for its architectural grandeur is an important landmark in the city. It is believed to be the oldest and largest temple of Bhubaneswar and is an outstanding specimen of the Orissa style of temple building. Pilgrims across the globe come to visit this holy temple.
The Lingaraj Temple is a 1000 year old structure and is believed to be built by the Somavanshi king Jajati Keshari, in the 11th century AD. Jajati Keshari had shifted his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar which was then called as the Ekamra Kshetra in the Brahma Purana.
Lingaraj Temple Legend / History
As per the legends once Shiva revealed to Parvati that Bhubaneswar - or Ekamra thirtha was a place favoured by him over Benares. Parvati decided to have a glance at the city. So she disguised herself as a cowherd and visited the city. Two demons, named Kritti and Vasa, expressed their desire to marry her. She ordered them to carry her upon their shoulders and they agreed. Parvati sat on their shoulders and crushed them. On seeing this, Shiva created a lake called Bindu Sagar to quench her thirst and took abode here as Krittivasas or Lingaraj.
Lingaraj Temple Architecture
This 11th century temple conforms to the building principles of the Kalinga School of Architecture and is acclaimed for its ornamental carvings and fine workmanship. Erected in red sandstone it is by far the most notable monument of Bhubaneswar. The Lingaraja temple is located in a spacious courtyard covering over 250000 sq. feet and is surrounded by massive walls measuring -520 feet length-wise and 465 feet breadth-wise. Its elaborately carved temple tower rises up to 180 feet and temple complex is filled with 150 small shrines dedicated to several Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple is situated around the vast Bindu Sagar Lake.
the temple comprises four structures, namely, the Bhogamandapa (the dining hall), the Natamandapa (the dancing hall), the Jagamohana (the audience hall) and the Deula (the hall that houses Lord Shiva). One can enter the temple complex through 'Simha Dwara', where lions flank both the sides, crushing elephants under their feet.
The Shivalingam in the sanctum of the Lingaraj temple rises to a height of 8 inches above the floor level, and is 8 feet in diameter. The presiding deity, here, is the Svayambhu Linga - half Shiva, half Vishnu. Linga appears to be of granite stone and it is bathed with water, milk and bhang every day. Towards south of the entrance to main temple is image of Lord Ganesha, at the back is the image of Goddess Parvati and to north is Lord Kartikya. The outer walls of the temple are adorned with ornate carvings. Another interesting feature of the temple is that the temple top neither has Shiva trishul nor Vishnu Chakra. It has only Rama‘s arrow symbol.
How to reach Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is well connected through Rail, Road and Air Network. Bhubaneswar falls on the East Coast line of the Indian Railways and is well connected by direct train services to major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad etc. Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneswar is nearly 5 km away from the heart of the city. The airport is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Bhubaneswar is well connected with rest of the country by a good network of roads. Regular bus services are available from nearby tourist destination like Puri and Konark to the city.