Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneshwar)

Located in Bhubaneshwar(Orrisa), Lingaraja Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Though the temple was built in 11th century by King Jajati Keshari, people believed that it has existed since the 6th century. They refer to the manuscript of Brahma Purana that defines the significance of God Shiva in Bhubaneshwar.

Key Points about the temple

• Location : Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha- 751002
• Completed : 11th century CE
• Creator : Jajati Keshari
• Affiliation : Hinduism
• Entry Fee : No fee
• Deity : Shiva as Lingaraja or Adidev, Vishnu as Adi Narayana, and

Bhuvneshvari form of Parvati

• Architectural style : Kalinga Architecture
• Festivals : Maha Shivratri
• Photography : Prohibited

Architecture of the Temple

The architecture of the temple is a blend of Orrisa style and Kaliga style of architecture. The temple’s sandstones are of darker shade with magnificent craft work.

Though the main entrance is towards the east, the other entrances and exits are towards northern and southern sides. The temple is fortified with a great wall and beautiful carved sculptures build around Bindu Sagar Lake. The temple has four parts-

1. Vimana- Having main sanctum
2. Jagmohan- Assembly hall
3. Nata Mandira- Festive hall
4. Bhoga/Mandapa- the hall of offerings

Mahashivratri and Jaggannath Rath Yatra at the temple

Every year, many festivals are celebrated in the temple that adds more charm to its divinity. Chandan Yatra, Rath yatra, and Shivratri are among the most popular festivals celebrated in the temple.

The most famous festival Shivratri is celebrated annually in Hindu month of Phalgun. Thousands of devotees visit the temple to make offerings to the god as they fast throughout the day. At night the devotees break their fast after the lighting of the Mahadipa.

Chandan Yatra, or Sandalwood ceremony is another one of the main festivals of Lingaraj Temple. It is celebrated over a period of 22 day when people who serve the temple disport themselves in a barge in Bindusagar tank.

On Ashokashtami, Lingaraj’s Rath Yatra is taken to the Rameshwar Deula Temple seated at the top a chariot. Devotees pull the decorated chariots of Lingaraj and his sister Rukmani to the temple, which is considered to be the greatest service of the Lord.

Visiting Hours

• The temple is open on all days except Gazetted holidays.
• Timings-05:00 pm to 09:00 pm
• Though one can visit the temple anytime, January to March is considered the best time to visit the temple.

How to reach the Temple?

By Air- Biju Patnaik Airport is the nearest airport from which one can take local conveyances.
By Train- The city has its own railway station, which is 4km away from the temple.
By Road- The city and temple is well connected with roadways of different cities of India.