This city in Odisha which is Bhubaneswar literally means, “The Lord of the Earth”, is home to some very popular tourist attractions which include a lot of temples that people visit from far away places making it a place with a rich cultural heritage. One is the Lingaraja Temple, a respected place of worship for many. The name originates from Lord Shiva as it is devoted to the mighty Lord Shiva, also known as the protector and regenerator and, therefore, of great spiritual importance to all the devotees of Lord Shiva. Some devotees fast the entire day when they visit Lingaraja Temple. The architecture of the Lingaraja Temple is awe-striking, making it a must-visit for all tourists planning a vacation to Odisha.
About The Lingaraja Temple
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This famous historical temple was built in the 11th century, when the Somavamsi Dynasty ruled. The architecture of the Lingaraja Temple is reddish-brown. However, some texts say that the temple existed in the 6th century, or at least some parts did. It is almost 180 feet in height, making it one of the tallest temples, which adds to its magnificence.
It is believed that the site where the temple was built was once a forest where a manifestation of the mighty Lord Shiva took place as a ‘lingam’. This became a site of great religious importance to Lord Shiva’s devotees. Soon afterwards, a temple was built right over there.
Must Read: Temples In Odisha
The Myth Behind Lingaraja Temple
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There is a fascinating story behind the Lingaraja temple. There was this day when Lord Shiva was telling Goddess Parvati why he liked Bhuvaneshwar more than Banaras. This made Goddess Parvati very curious, and she went on a trip to the stunning city of Bhuvaneshwar to find out what was unique about this city. Kriti and Vasa were two demons who kept pursuing Goddess Parvati and forced her to marry them, but she refused. Goddess Parvati killed both of them to protect herself from these two demons.
Lord Shiva then came to Bhuvaneshwar and created the Bindu Sagar Lake, one of the most famous and holy sites. The water of the Bindu Sagar Lake is believed to have healing properties. This myth tells us about how unique the city of Bhuvaneshwar was for Lord Shiva.
The Architecture Of The Temple
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The temple’s architecture is just stunning, and it was built according to the Kalinga style, which is a popular style, especially in the temples built in Odisha. When you enter the temple, you will witness the gorgeous gateway, also known as the Lion’s Gate, built out of stone, welcoming you inside. The highlight of the Kalinga style of architecture is that the temple is divided into a hall and a tower. The intricate detailing and carvings are a sight for the sore eyes and a testament to the craftsmanship of the talented architects back in the day. It is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva, making it very sacred for Hindus to worship it.
The temple’s highlight, the Linga, holy to the devotees, is bathed daily with water and milk, which can be found inside a chamber. The assembly hall, also known as the Natamandira, has detailed carvings of so many Gods, and the porch, also known as the Jagamohana, is beautifully carved, adding to the charm of this holy site. There are a lot of small shrines located within the complex of the Lingaraja Temple. The foundation of this temple is so strong that it stands tall even today, centuries after it was built. The architects are to be credited for its long-lasting endurance and beautiful and robust structures. Their knowledge of architecture and the materials used to create it has been impeccable. The architects are also responsible for the sound of the chants and prayers echoing evenly throughout the temple. Witnessing a temple built with so much precision and quality is commendable.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Bhubaneswar
Best Time To Visit
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You are going to immerse in the spiritual charm of the stunning Lingaraja Temple any time of the year. Still, Shivratri during February and March is celebrated on a massive scale at the Lingaraja Temple, which attracts tourists from faraway places to spend time amidst the magic of Lord Shiva and celebrate the Almighty with so much zeal and enthusiasm. The lights, crowds, and rituals during the Shivratri festival will make your trip to Lingaraj Temple much more exciting. Visiting the Lingaraja Temple during the Ratha Yatra, Chandan Yatra, and The Parsurameswara Temple Car Festival is a lot of fun, too.
Odia’s New Year, known as Pana Sankranti, is also celebrated here, and foodies are in for a special treat. Dola Purnima is celebrated with a lot of colours, which is going to be very exciting. We recommend you explore these festivals in Odisha and learn more about the traditions and culture there!
Further Read: Places To Visit In Puri
A trip to Odisha and spending time in the spiritual haven – Lingaraja Temple, with its rich cultural heritage telling us about Lord Shiva, is the perfect retreat from the bustle of city life. Along with Lingaraja Temple, there are a lot of temples located in Bhuvaneshwar that are known for their rich cultural heritage and are a must-add to your itinerary if you want to explore the stunning architecture of the temples, the history behind them or if you want some calm away from the chaos. So, what are you waiting for? Take some days off from work and plan your trip to Bhuvaneshwar, a beautiful haven, as soon as possible; we promise it will send you back refreshed and rejuvenated!
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Cover Image credit: By Puja Rakshit for Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lingaraja Temple
What are the timings of Lingaraja Temple?
The temple opens at 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the morning and then reopens at 3:30 p.m. and finally closes at 9 p.m. at night.
What are some restaurants that I can eat at that are located near Lingaraja Temple?
Enjoy some of the most delicious food at Chrunchy Munchie, Dawat, Golden Bird, Hotel Swosti, and Shanghai Express.
When is the best time to visit Lingaraja Temple?
You should definitely plan your trip to Lingaraja Temple during the months of October and March.
On what days is the Lingaraja Temple the most crowded?
Try to visit the temple before 8 a.m. The temple is very crowded during the weekends and also during festivals.
What are some great tourist attractions that I can add to my itinerary for Odisha along with Lingaraja Temple?
Some very pretty tourist attractions that you can add to your itinerary for Odisha for a more exciting trip are Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Konark Sun Temple, Chilika Lake, Cuttack, and Puri
What is the exact location of the Lingaraja Temple in Odisha?
The exact address of the temple is - Lingaraj Temple Rd, Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
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