Lingaraj Temple
¤ Paragon of Medieval Oriya
Architecture
The Lingaraj temple is known for the Lingam or the phallic deity
hallowed in it. Described as the ' Quintessence of the Kalinga
architecture', the temple is one of the famous Shaiva (followers of
Lord Shiva) pilgrimages and according to Hindu scriptures, one should
first visit the temple before going to Puri. The temple, dedicated to
Tribhuwaneswar or 'Lord of the Three Worlds'(Lord Vishnu and Lord
Shiva), is embellished with splendid sculptures on its curvilinear
walls with beautiful graphic specimens from the Kamasutra, including
rancor and rampage. Many of the life-size chlorite stone effigies of
gods are dismantled with time but still attest the sculptor's
extraordinary skills. In the north-east corner of the temple, a
smaller shrine of Parvati is of particular interest.
¤ History of the Temple
Often called as ' a hollow pyramid composed of several superimposed
chambers', this temple surely glorifies Kalinga school of architecture
which left its impression for 25 centuries on the sands of time. Built
in the early 11th century in Nagara style, it is hailed by historians
as the most important temple in Orrisa. The temple was built by
Lalatendu Keshari of Somavamsi dynasty when Jagannath cult at Puri was
at its peak, which is elucidated from the fact that the presiding
deity (Tribhuwaneswar) here, is half Vishnu and half Shiva. There are
more than 100 shrines nestled within the temple courtyard which
clearly defines the harmony that existed between different sects
present at that time.
¤ The Temple Architecture
The Lingaraj temple is divided into four distinct chambers
interconnected to each other; the external part (Jagamohana), the
inner sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha), and a conical beehive shaped
tower forming the third part (Nata mandap and the Bhoga Mandap). The
temple complex has a planned drainage system and is designed well to
keep monsoon rains off the walls. According to ancient scriptures, the
Jagamohana and Garbhagriha were made in 7th century B.C, whereas the
third part was later added to the main shrine. The fact is endorsed by
the use of completely different type of sandstones and the
architectural style followed, which relates to a much later period of
history. The Garbhagriha is a square structure, circled in clustered
bands that vertically bend inward to give a pyramidal profile. The
Nata Mandap (hall of dance) was used by the 'Devdasis' or divine
maids, temple dancers whereas the Bhoga Mandap (hall of offering) was
for rites, rituals and recitation of hymes.
The spacious temple compound of laterite is about 150 meters square
with a deul (tower) 55 meter high. The ornately carved tower is
intricately sculptured with turrets inserted on the ribs of the spire.
On the northern side of the temple, close to the wall, is a viewing
platform, 20 feet high, originally erected for Lord Curzon during
British Raj. The platform provides a enthralling view of the shrine
and you can easily spot lions crushing elephants and many other exotic
sculptures embellished on the spire.
¤ Rites and Rituals
The deity is offered a bath during sunrise, followed by decorating
the Lingam with garlands made of beautiful flowers and applying
sandalwood to it. Aarti ( religious ceremony) is performed thereafter
and offerings are made by scores of pilgrims carrying flowers, sweets
and coconuts. Mahaprasad or Holy food is distributed thereafter. The
whole ambiance of faith and the aura that the pilgrims carry along
with themselves surely takes everyone to a different spiritual
dimension.
¤ Nearby Temple Attractions
Ananta-Vasudeva Temple
Situated at a distance of 4 km from the famous Lingaraj temple, this
18.29 meter high Vaishnav shrine was built by Chandradevi in 1278 A.D.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple has a striking similarity with
the Lingaraj temple, in terms of architecture. The temple has four
component parts; their roofs ascending upwards and gradually winding
up at the top. The temple exterior is beautifully carved, portraying
priests, kings, courtiers, pilgrims, couples in embrace, birds,
animals and scenes from religious epics and legends.
Bindusagar (4 km)
Bindusagar or "Ocean Drop" is a tank placed north of the
Lingaraj temple and is said to contain holy water from every river,
lake and stream of India brought by Lord Shiva. Pilgrims from all over
the country visit here to take a holy dip, with the faith that it will
cure any disease due to the medicinal value of the water stored. A
famous pilgrimage site for Hindus, the tank is surrounded by numerous
temples and shrines. The best time to come here is around sunrise.
Bhaskareswar Temple
Located at 6 km from Lingaraj shrine, the Bhaskareswar Temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. This shrine is unique in its own way, because
of its stepped cut architecture and a remarkably high 'Lingam' (3
meters), present in its sanctum. Regular rituals like bathing,
decorating the deity with garlands made of fresh flowers and applying
sandalwood are performed while standing on these stepped pavements.
¤ Festivity
During the month of March-April, the whole city unites to celebrate
the four-day Chariot festival. Dazzling in its own way, the fiesta is
celebrated with great pomp and show. Major attractions include drawing
Lord Lingaraj on his chariot to Rameswara temple and fairs organized
by the state government. Plan your trip during this season to enjoy
the joyous festive moment.
¤ How to Reach
Bhubaneswar is well connected by rail (Bhubaneswar Junction), road
and airways (Biju Patnaik Airport) to all the major tourist
destinations of the country. Once in Bhubaneswar, you can opt for
cycle-rickshaws or auto-rickshaws to reach the shrine. Otherwise
taxis, public and private buses ply regularly on the roads and can
help you to reach the temple.
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