Search Indian Maps, Pincodes, Local Info and more...
Odisha Lingaraj Temple
Lingaraj is a popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Harihara which is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar, which is the capital of East Indian State of Odisha. It is one of the biggest and finest temples and also signifies the prominent landmark of Bhubaneshwar city.
The temple is believed to be built by the kings of Somavanshi Dynasty. The temple is believed to be a big complex having about 50 other shrines enclosed by large wall compound. It is about 180 feet tall. The temple is built in a very traditional style of Odisha, comprising has four different structures, each built in different centuries in ascending order. The four structures are namely Vimana (structure containing the sanctum), Jagamohan (assembly hall), Natamandira (festival hall) and Bhogamandapa (hall of offerings).
History
Lingaraj temple is more than 1100 years old. Lingaraj means a king of Lingam that symbolizes Shaivism. Lingaraj temple that is dedicated to Harihara a form of Shiva who is commonly referred as Tribhuvaneshwara which means masters of three worlds, that is heaven, earth and netherworld. The partner of Tribhuvaneshwara is called a Bhuvaneshvari.
The temple was built in the 11century by the king Jajati Keshari, who shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar. It is believed that one of the queen of Somavanshi had donated a full village to the temple the Brahmins attached to the temples were provided with grants. It is also believed that some of kings used to gift gold coins to the temple. The people going to the temple started offering beetel leaves to the deity.
Discovery
It is mentioned in the Sanskrit treatise of 13th century that the presiding deity was not seen as lingam (an iconic form of Shiva); it was only during the Dwapara and Kali yugas it was apparently known as a lingam. This lingam is an unshaped stone that rests on a sakti inside the temple. Such a lingam is termed as Swayambhu or Krutibasa which are also found in 24 places throughout India. Later on the Ganges remodeled the temple introducing the Vaishnavite by Vishnu and they offered Bela leaves to worship Lingaraj.
How To Reach
By Air
The airport is situated right in the center of the city known as Biju Patnaik Airport. It mainly operates only domestic airline flights. You need to go to the nearest metro cities from where you can take the flight to Bhubaneswar, because all the metro cities in the country are linked with the to and fro domestic flights. The cities connecting Bhubaneswar are Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore and New Delhi.
By Train
The city Bhubaneswar being the Head Quarters of East Coast of the Railway division it is well connected to the major metro railway junctions which makes convenient for the passengers who wants to travel by train.
By Road
The city of Bhubaneswar is provided with good private and public transport buses which ply both on the state as well as national highway. The OSRTC (Odisha State Road Transport Corporation) is situated just 8 km away from the city which provides good service to the people.
Important Shrine
Lingaraj temple portrays the rich legacy of Indian culture and traditions. The temple is active in worship practices unlike other temples in Bhubaneswar. The harmony between the sects the Hinduism and Vaishnavism is seen in this temple where the deity is worshipped as Harihara a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva.
Significanceof The Temple
Apart from the spiritual and devotional significance, it is the self oriented lingam. Bhubaneswar is called the Ekamra Kshetra as the deity of Lingaraj was originally under a mango tree. The main attraction is the architecture of the temple itself.
Weather And Time To Visit
Bhubaneswar experience tropical climate and is subjected to the extremities of the season. Summer experiences almost temperature above 45 degrees and so the season is unfit for any tours or visits. The monsoon here marked by torrential rains which makes water logging and uprooting the trees. In winter the temperature here is 7 to 15 degrees bringing a pleasant weather for all the visitors. During winter you can witness the divine festivity of Shivratri.
Accommodation
There are many hotels which provide good accommodation with proper good food service. Their staffs are also good to their customers and loyal to them. Some of the hotels are situated near the railway station. Rooms provided are also clean and affordable.
Tips Of Devotee
In case the devotees visiting the temple during the winter season they need to carry all the possible winter clothes to protect themselves from the chilly weather.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temples
Depending upon the group of priests has difference of opinion for lifting the mahadeep or even shifting the position of the Trishul. This is because of the lack of co-ordination between the priests. Of late the matter has been taken up by the state administration to take proper decision.
Photo Gallery