One of the most prominent attractions of the city of Bhubaneshwar, Lingaraj is also one of the most revered Shiva temples in India. It is the biggest and the most ancient temple of Bhubaneshwar. People in Bhubaneshwar hold immense faith in divinity of Lord Shiva and it is only after the word Tribhuveshwar (another name for Lord Shiva) that the city has got its name.Lingaraj Temple – Bhubaneshwar
Lingaraj Temple – Bhubaneshwar
Dating back to 11th century, the temple was then built by King Jajati Keshari when he shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar. However, some portions of the temple are believed to belong to around 6th century.
Besides its piety, Lingaraj temple is also renowned for its architectural marvel. Built in the Kalinga style of architecture using sandstone of deep red color, the temple has gorgeous artistry and sculptures.
In the huge courtyard of the shrine are 50 small temples that are dedicated to different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The complete premise is bounded by walls from all the sides that also have nicely carved sculptures. At the main entrance are a trident (Lord Shiva) and Chakra (Lord Vishnu) on either side of the door. The deity is worshipped here as Harihara, Hari being Lord Vishnu and Hara being Lord Shiva.
The main temple is divided into four parts. The Garbha Griha has Lingam the specialty of which is that it is Swayambhu. It means that the lingam- a form in which Lord Shiva is worshipped is a self-originated one. Another uniqueness of this Lingam is that it is worshipped as both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Also enshrined in the temple are idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya and Devi Parvati. The idols are decorated with lavish clothes and ornaments.
Festivals and fairs
Shivratri is the most important festival celebrated in this temple. Lakhs of people from all corners of the country flock to Lingaraj Temple to offer their prayers, Bel leaves and Bhanng to Lord Shiva. Taking a holy dip in the Bindusagar tank in the temple premises is also considered to be extremely holy on the festival of Shivratri.
Temple prayers and timings
The temple opens up 6 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. and reopens at 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Location → Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
- Dedicated to → Lord Shiva
- Main Attraction → Self-originated Lingam
- Best time to visit → On Shivratri festival
How to reach
- By Air → Connected to all the major airports of the country is the Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneshwar.
- By Rail→ Bhubaneshwar is headquarter of Eastern Railway Division of Indian Railways hence reaching here by train from any part of the country is no problem at all.
- By Road → Bhubaneshwar has a well developed network of roads with various types of transport options available for movement inside the city. In order to reach the city by road, tourists can conveniently find private or state transport buses from all the major cities of neighboring states.
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