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Odisha Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar
Location | Bhubaneswar, Orissa |
Built by | Somavanshi King Yayati Kesari |
Built in | 7th century |
Managed by | Temple Trust Board and the Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) |
Primary deity | Harihara and Bhuvaneshwari (consort) |
Architectural styles | Kalinga Architecture |
Attraction | Bindusagar tank |
The Lingaraj temple, largest of all temples in Orissa, is around thousand years old. This temple is believed to be built by the King Yayati Kesari of Somavanshi dynasty in 11th century. Harihara is worshipped as the primary deity.
History
It is believed that King Yayati Kesari began the construction of this temple in the 7th century when he shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneswar. Archeologists say that the temple belongs to the 10th century.
Architecture
The Lingaraj temple is rated as “one of the finest examples of pure Hindu temples in India” by James Fergusson, a famous critic and historian. The temple is built east-facing and is made up of sandstone and laterite. The temple is bounded by spacious compound wall with terrace at the inner side. The entrance door is made of sandalwood.
Important Shrines
This Deula style temple comprises of four components, namely, ‘Vimana’- structure with the sanctum, ‘Jagamohana’-assembly hall, ‘Natamandira’-festival hall and ‘Bhoga-mandapa’-offering hall. The Lingaraj temple with its 100 subsidiary shrines spreads over 25,00sq. Ft and are enclosed by high walls. The Paravati temple lies in the north-east corner and serves meals to 51 priests and 51 underprivileged people every day.
Significance Of The Temple
According to a legend, it is believed that, Lord Shiva told his wife Paravati that he preferred to take resort at Bhubaneswar rather than Benaras. With an intention of having a look at the city, went there disguised as a cowherd woman. When two demons Kriti and Vasa expressed their desire to marry her, she asked them to carry her on their shoulders resulted in the death of both; unable to bear the weight that she imposed. Then Bindu Sagar (meaning a drop of ocean) lake was created by Lord Shiva to quench the thirst of his exhausted wife. He rested there and took abode as Lingaraj.
Festivals
‘Shivaratri’, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the major festival celebrated in this temple which attracts around 200,000 visitors every year. Another important feature of this temple is the ‘Chandan Yatra’, which is a 22 day festival, when the deities and servants of the temple are embrocated with sandalwood paste and then bathed in the Bindusagar tank.
Attractions
The ‘lingam’ measures to a height of 8 inches and width of 8 feet. It is counted in the 12 jyotirlingas in India and is known as Harihara, the combined ‘avatar’ of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
The ‘Bindusagar’ tank is filled by an underground river that originates from the temple. This water is believed to have healing powers and so pilgrims take a dip in this sacred water.
Timings And Other Important Information
All days of the week: 6 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
3.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Non-Hindus are not allowed in the temple. They can see the temple from the viewing gallery.
Photography is prohibited inside the temple.
Weather And Time To Visit
December to February – winter with average temperature of 15⁰C and minimum of 7⁰C
March to May – summer with scorching temperature of 45⁰C.
June to September – monsoons with medium to heavy rainfall and accompanied with beautiful scenic beauty
Best time to visit: from October to March.
How To Reach
By Air
Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneswar which is connected to Delhi and Mumbai is round about 5 kms from the main city. International travelers need to arrive at Delhi first.
By Rail
Bhuvaneshwari railway station is well-connected with all the major cities and is around 6 km away from the old city.
Local Transport
The temple is situated in the old city. Auto rickshaw is the most convenient way of transport.
Accomodation
Hotel Name | Type | Area | Distance(km) | Min Price (Rs.) |
Mayfair Lagoon | Luxury | Bhubaneshwar | 4.6 | 9281 |
Trident, Bhubaneshwar | Luxury | Bhubaneshwar | 4.6 | 5903 |
Hotel Crown | Medium | Bhubaneshwar | 3.7 | 3827 |
Hotel Swosti | Medium | Bhubaneshwar | 1 | 2250 |
Hotel Upasana | Budget | Cuttack-Puri Road | 1 | 834 |
Hotel Gouri | Budget | Lewis Road | 2.4 | 600 |
Photo Gallery