The Lingaraj Temple is the city’s biggest temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, as the name implies, and was established in the 7th century by King Jajati Keshari. It is greatly venerated because the Linga, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, is said to have appeared organically. The temple’s building is a superb example of Odissi-style architecture, with delicately sculpted stone vaults covering the main shrine. In the northwest part of the courtyard, there is also a modest shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati. However, admission is restricted to Hindu believers alone. The Lingaraj Temple is particularly well-known for its Mahashivratri festivities, during which the whole sanctuary is decked up in flowers, lanterns, and lights. The temple receives up to 6,000 visitors daily, with Shivratri being a big day of celebration when this number might reach 200,000.

Lingaraj Temple’s History

The Lingaraj Temple as we know it now is said to have existed from the 11th century. When King Jajati Keshari relocated his military capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar, he built this temple. Historians think the temple has been in some form since the 6th century, as mentioned in the 7th-century text Brahma Puran, which focuses on the significance of Lord Shiva in Bhubaneshwar. According to historians, the temple sheds information on how Lord Vishnu and Shiva’s harmonious worship coexisted during the ancient time.

Lingaraj Temple Architecture

Lingaraj Temple is a magnificent example of Orissa temple construction with a trace of Kalinga style. It is exceptional in its shape, and the magnificent tower is made of the deepest color of sandstone. The main entrance to the temple is on the east side, with lesser openings on the northern and southern sides. It is erected around the massive Bindu Sagar Lake and is surrounded by reinforced walls carved magnificently with sculptures, covering a significant area of 2, 50,000 sq ft. The Lingaraj Temple’s compound wall is 160 meters long and is supported by a simple slant coping. On the other hand, the temple’s towers stand 45.11 meters tall. The temple complex has up to 150 minor shrines.

The temple is divided into four separate sections: Vimana (the main shrine), Jaganmohan (the assembly hall), Nata Mandira (the festival hall), and Bhoga – Mandapa (the gallery of offerings), which are positioned in diminishing height order. The Bhogmandapa features four entrances on each side, and the outer walls are decorated with diverse Hindu designs. This complex’s roof is pyramidal in design, with an inverted bell and the word ‘Kalash’ on top.

The two entrances are there at Natamandir, both are adorned with men and women sculptures. It features a flat roof that slants in phases. Inside the hall, there are thick pylons. The Jagamohana has south and north entrances with a 30-meter high pyramidal roof. It has honeycomb panes and depictions of lions perched on its hind legs. The temple’s primary deity, Shivalingam, stands 8 inches above the floor and is 8 feet in circumference in the inner sanctuary. The towers are 180 feet tall and elaborately carved.

Lingaraj Temple Legend

The Lingaraj Temple is reported to have an intriguing mythical story that goes as follows: Lord Shiva once explained to Goddess Parvati why he preferred Bhubaneswar over Benares. She disguised herself as an average cattlewoman and walked out to see the city. She came across two demons named Kriti and Vasa who wanted to marry her while she was out exploring. Despite her reluctance, the demons continue to seek Parvati. To protect herself, she destroyed the two of them. Lord Shiva descended and constructed the Bindu Saras Lake, where he resides perpetually.

Lingaraj Temple’s Mahashivratri and Jagannath Rath Yatra

Yearly many festivals are held at this temple, adding to its enchantment and allure. The most prominent festivals are Chandan Yatra, Rath Yatra, and Shivratri, which display a sight of absolute devotion.

Shivratri, held yearly in Phalgun month, is perhaps the most well-known celebration at the Lingraj Temple. Thousands of worshippers flock to the temple to pay sacrifices to Lord Harihara while fasting all day. The biggest festival occurs at night when worshippers break their fast following the lighting of the Mahadipa, a massive earthen lamp.

Another important celebration at Lingaraj Temple is the Chandan Yatra or Sandalwood Ceremony. The celebrations extend for 22 days, during which individuals who serve the temple disport themselves in a specially designed barge in the Bindusagar tank. In addition, people linked with the temple organize dances, community feasts, and general revelry.

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