Lingaraja Temple - Ancient and Largest Hindu Temple in Bhubaneswar.

 

Lingaraj Temple, built by king Jajati Keshari from the Somavamsi dynasty in the 11th century, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is known as the destroyer. It is believed to be the oldest and largest temple in Bhubaneswar, more than 1100 years old. The temple’s structure is made up of the stone of the darkest shade. The king started constructing the Lingaraj temple when he shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneswar in the 11th century. It is believed that some portions of the Lingaraj temple were constructed originally in the sixth century but further renovated and erected in a fully-fledged way only in the eleventh century. The temple is also mentioned in the Brahma Purana, which is a revered scripture of the Hindu religion.

 

 

Lingaraj Temple is constructed in the Kalinga style of architecture. The Lingaraj Temple is located in a spacious courtyard spanning a vast area of 250000 sq. ft. The height of the temple is about 180 ft. (55 m). The temple faces east and is built of sandstone and laterite. The main entering gate is located in the east, while minor gates are in the north and south of the temple. The temple is divided into four portions, the Garbh Griha, the Yajna Shala, the Bhoga Mandap, and the Natya Shala. Within the Garbh Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum), the lingam of Lord Shiva is known as ”Swayambhu’ (Self-originated), and it is being worshipped as both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. On the foremost entrance, one can see a trident of Lord Shiva and Chakra of Lord Vishnu on either side of the door.

 

 

Every year several festivals are celebrated in this temple which adds more charm and allure to its divinity. Chandan Yatra, Rath yatra and Shivratri are among the most popular festivals, presenting a sight of pure devotion. The time period between January and March is worth visiting the temple, as one can overlook the divinity of the Shivaratri celebration around the temple’s premises. Non-Hindus such as Muslims, Christians, and others are not permitted to enter inside the temple. Still, they can observe the temple and its celebrations from the viewing platform situated outside the temple.

 

 

The Lingaraj temple is opened at 6:00 AM and closed at about 9:00 PM every day. It is intermittently closed during the Bhoga period means food offering to the deity. The temple is closed from about 12 noon until 3.30 p.m., and a ceremony called Mahasnana is performed once all doors are closed.

 

People can easily reach to Lingaraj Temple through a taxi, auto-rickshaw or a good network of local buses that drop you right at the temple are available from the city of Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneswar is the nearest Railway Station and Airport. Bhubaneswar is easily accessible with all major cities of the country such as New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore.