Hindu Temples of India: Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. It is considered as one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple is the most prominent landmark of Bhubaneswar city and one of the major tourist attractions of the state. Also, it is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. Presiding Deity is called as Lingaraja / Kirtivasa / Bhubaneswar / Tribhuvaneshwara / Harihara and Mother is called as Bhuvaneswari / Parvathy.

The central tower of the temple is 45.11 m (148.0 ft) tall. The temple represents the quintessence of the Kalinga architecture and culminating the medieval stages of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar. The temple is believed to be built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers. The temple has an average of 6000 devotees visiting the auspicious shrine on a daily basis.

The temple is active in worship practises, unlike most other temples in Bhubaneswar and Shiva is worshipped as Harihara, a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva. The temple has images of Vishnu, possibly because of the rising prominence of Jagannath sect emanating from the Ganga rulers who built the Jagannath Temple in Puri in the 12^th century. Lingaraja temple is maintained by the Temple Trust Board and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The temple is architectural marvel, historically significant and full of beautiful sculptures. The temple attracts all sorts of people such as history enthusiasts, architects, art lovers, devotees and travelers. The temple compound is not open to non-Hindus, but there is a viewing platform beside the wall offering a good view of the main exteriors. This was originally erected for a visit by Lord Curzon, then Viceroy of British India.