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.