Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, who are worshipped as Harihara, the combined form of the two deities. The temple is an architectural marvel that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and the Kalinga style of temple building.
Lingaraj Temple is also a sacred site for Hindus, who believe that the Swayambhu Shivalinga in the temple is self-manifested and has been worshipped since ancient times.
How to reach Lingaraj Temple
Lingaraj Temple is located in one of the prime locations of Bhubaneswar; hence, can be easily reached from the airport, railway station, bus stand, or any other part of the city. Here are some of the ways to reach Lingaraj Temple:
• By Air: The nearest airport to Lingaraj Temple is the Bhubaneswar International Airport, which is about 4 km away. Take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus from the airport to the temple.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Lingaraj Temple is the Bhubaneswar Railway Station, which is about 3 km away. Take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus from the railway station to the temple.
• By Road: Lingaraj Temple is well-connected by road to the rest of the city and the state.Take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus from any part of the city to the temple.
Lingaraj Temple Timing
Lingaraj Temple timings are from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM every day. Visit the temple during these hours and have a darshan of the Swayambhu Shivalinga and other deities. There is no entry fee for the temple, but follow the dress code and other temple rules. The temple is only open to Hindus, but non-Hindus can view the temple from a platform outside the complex.
Lingaraj Temple History
Lingaraj Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu (as Harihara) and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, India. The temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture and has a 180 ft (55 m) high tower over the main sanctum. Lingaraj temple was built by King Jajati Keshari of the Somavamsi dynasty in the 11th century CE, but some parts of it may date back to the 7th century CE.
The temple is surrounded by a large compound wall and has 150 smaller shrines within it. Lingaraj temple is famous for its Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga, which is 8 feet in diameter and 8 inches tall. It is also a center of various festivals and rituals, such as Mahashivaratri, Ashokashtami, and Chandan Yatra.
Lingaraj Temple Entry Fees
There is no entry fee for the Lingaraj Temple. Visit the temple for free and have a darshan of the Swayambhu Shivalinga and other deities.
The Architecture of Lingaraj Temple
The Lingaraj Temple is a splendid example of Kalinga architecture, which is characterized by a curvilinear tower (shikhara), a porch (jagamohana), a hall (nata Mandira), and a sanctum (garbhagriha). The temple complex covers an area of 25,000 square feet and has 150 smaller shrines within its premises. The main temple has a height of 180 feet and is surrounded by a massive stone wall. The temple has four entrances, each guarded by a lion. The main entrance faces east and leads to the jagamohana, which is a pyramidal structure with a terraced roof.
The jagamohana has three tiers of windows that allow natural light to enter the hall. The hall has a stone platform where devotees can sit and pray. The jagamohana is connected to the nata mandira, which is a rectangular hall with pillars and arches. The nata mandira is used for cultural and religious performances.
The nata mandira leads to the garbhagriha, which is the innermost chamber of the temple. The garbhagriha houses the Swayambhu Shivalinga, which is believed to be 8 feet in diameter and 8 inches tall. The Shivalinga is made of black granite and is worshipped as Lord Harihara, a combination of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.