Lingaraja Temple

Lingaraja Temple is located at the Bhubaneswar, it is the oldest and tallest Temple of Bhubaneswar. This is the only Temple where both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are virajman. The Lingaraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Harihara, who is a combination of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Shiva came here naturally. The Lingaraj or the Shivalinga is 8ft tall and 8 ft wide.

The Temple is famous for its Odissi-style architecture. Also, the Lingaraja Temple is a mix of Kalinga style. The Lingaraja Temple is made in deula style. The Temple has four parts, Vimana or main hall, Jagamohana or prayer hall, Nata Mandir or the Dancing and singing hall and Bhoga Mandapa or the hall for prasad. Mahashivaratri, Chandan Yatra, and Ashoka Astami is a major festival of the Lingaraja Temple, where people gather the most. There is a Rath Yatra organized on the day of Ashoka Astami. There are 150 shrines in the Lingaraja Temple complex.

History of Lingaraja Temple

It is said that Yayati, King of Sommavanshi built the Lingaraja Temple in the 11th century when he shifted his capital to Bhubaneswar. The same is mentioned in the Brahma Purana.

It is also said that some of Somavanshi queen had denote the village to the Temple. It is also said that the king had no time so he hadn’t built any Temple. It was his son Udyota and Ananta Keshari who had made the Lingaraja Temple. It is also said that in the 11th century, Jajati Keshari had made the Lingaraja Temple. But is also believed that Lalat Indu Keshari made the Lingaraja Temple.

But it is evidenced that Swayambhu Shivalinga worshiped here from the 7th century. The Lingaraja Temple was built in the 6th century. Also, it is said from the Brahma Purana that the Lingaraja Temple is named after Lord Vishnu. It was believed that Lingaraj was worshiped under a mango tree. And later the Lingaraja Temple was built. The Lingaraja Temple was built at the same time as the Jagannath Temple.

Jagamohana was also built in the 11th century whereas, Nata Mandira was built before the 11th century by the Salini’s wife. Bhoga Mandapa was made at the 12th century.

The best time to visit

Though the temperature almost remains the same throughout the year. But it is better to visit the Temple from October to March. Ashoka Astami is also a great time to visit Lingaraja Temple. The festival is celebrated at the Temple majorly. It is celebrated for 7 days in Chaitra month.

Timings of Lingaraja Temple

The temple remains open every day of the week. The Temple opens at 6 AM in the morning and closes at 10 PM. In between this, the Temple remains closed from 11 AM to 3 PM every day. The arti is performed every day twice a day at 3 PM and at 5 PM. And to enter the Temple, there is no charges needed.

However, the dress code should be maintained to enter the Lingaraj Temple. Only Hindus are allowed to visit temples from the inside, the foreigners are advised to visit the temple from Outside only. The advised dress code is Hindu attire for Men’s Shirts and Trousers, Kurta Pyjama, Or Dhoti and Women can wear a Saree or Suit salwar. Though as per time and modernization things are changing as caution, peoples are advised to wear full clothes while visiting any temple in India, including Lingaraja Temple.

Facts about Lingaraja Temple

• There is a small Temple in the Lingaraja Temple complex which is dedicated to Devi Bhagwati.
• It is said that Lord Shiva told Devi Parvati that Bhubaneswar is better for him than Banaras. So Devi Parvati came here to see the city herself. When she came here two demons named Kritti and Vasa wanted to marry her. When Parvati asked them to carry her on their shoulder they were crushed by her weight. Then Shiva made Bindu Saras Lake and came with their abode as Lingaraja or Krittivasa.
• It is said that there was no Linga in Satya and Treta Yug and it appeared naturally in Dwapara Yug and Kal Yug. It was found under a mango tree which is still can be seen at the Lingaraja Temple. Lord Shiva was worshipped as Krittivasa, but when the king made the Lingaraja Temple, they started worshipping both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu as Lingaraj or Lord Harihara. Lord Lingaraj is also considered the main Linga or master of Bhubaneswar. And His consort here is Bhubaneswari.
• Bindu Sagar Lake is situated near the Lingaraja Temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva created the lake by taking water from all the rivers. So, the lake is considered a holy river and it has the power to recover from illness.
• The Lingaraja Temple is also known for its 520ft long courtyard wall, surrounding the total Lingaraja Temple. And sculptures of men, women and beasts, Kings and queens, dancing lady musicians with playing instruments all are drawn on the wall.
• The deity is made of black stone.
• It is the tallest Shiva Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar. Along with this, its fine architecture made this temple the unique Temples of India

How to Reach

Lingaraj Temple is located in Bhubaneswar. The Temple can be reached by bus, flight and train.

By Air: At 4 km distance Biju Patnaik International Airport is the nearest airport. From the airport auto, taxis are available to the Temple.

By Train: At a 5 km distance Bhubaneswar Railway station is located. From the station, Local cars, private and public cars, autos, and taxis are available to the Temple.

By Bus: Baramunda Bus stand which is the biggest bus stand in Odisha, is situated at Bhubaneswar. From the bus stand, various local buses, intercity and ORSTC buses are available to the Temple.

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions