ODISHA 6 LINGARAJ TEMPLE, BHUBANESWAR

LINGARAJ TEMPLE BHUBANESWAR

The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The central tower of the temple is 55 m tall. The temple represents the quintessence of the Kalinga architecture. The temple is believed to have been built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers. The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components namely, vimana (structure containing the sanctum), Jaganmohan (assembly hall), Nata Mandira (festival hall) and Bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings), each increasing in the height to its predecessor.

Bhubaneswar is called the Ekamra Kshetra as the deity of Lingaraja was originally under a mango tree (Ekamra) as noted in Ekamra Purana, a 13th-century Sanskrit treatise. The temple is active in worship practices, unlike most other temples in Bhubaneswar and Shiva, is worshipped as Harihara, a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva. The temple has images of Vishnu, possibly because of the rising prominence of Jagannath sect emanating from the Ganga rulers who built the Jagannath Temple in Puri in the 12th century.

The presiding deity in the sanctum sanctorum is 'Swayambhu Linga' (Self-originated), a symbol of half Shiva and half Vishnu. This is the unique feature of the Lingaraj Temple as the harmony of Shivaites and Vaishnavites is seen in this temple. Lord Lingaraj is worshipped here as Hari-Hara, a combined form of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The idol is a huge granite stone, which is about 8 feet in diameter and projecting 8 inches above the surrounding platform. The flag on top of the shikhara is erected on the bow Pinaka of Vishnu instead of the Trishul of Shiva. The 'Lingam' is bathed daily with water, milk, and bhang (Marijuana). An image of Lord Ganesha is situated to the south, at the back is the image of Goddess Parvati, and Lord Kartikeya is set to the north. The stone carvings, pillars, and halls of the temple are added attractions of the temple. Lingaraj Temple also has lots of other shrines and small temples inside the vast courtyard.

The temple is open from 6 am to 9 pm. In between, it is shut for some pujas inside where public is not allowed. The temple admits only Hindus. The temple is at the center of the city and is approachable to all vehicles.