Lingaraja Temple is considered to be the largest and oldest of all the temples located in Bhubaneswar. The architecture and interiors of the temples here are very attractive. The devotees of Hindu religion have great reverence for this temple. Due to this lakhs of people keep coming every year to visit and visit the Lingaraj temple. this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. and was built by King Jajati Keshati in the time of 7th century. The special thing here is this. Only the followers of Hinduism are allowed to enter the Lingaraj temple.
Every day 6 thousand people come to visit the ancient temple. You can also see the picture of Lord Vishnu in the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main temple is 55 meters tall. There are 50 other temples in it. All Lingam temples in India are dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is the only Lingaraj temple. Where both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are worshiped together. A total of 22 worship services are offered to the deities here every day. Once every year the image of Lingaraja is carried to the Jalmandir in the center of Bindu Sagar Lake.
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History of Lingaraja Temple
The history of Lingaraja temple is very old. Because this temple was built in the 11th century. The grand temple was built by Jajati Keshari. He shifted the military capital of the state from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar. But according to historians, the temple came into existence in some other form from the 6th century.
It is mentioned in the Brahma Purana, a 7th-century manuscript focusing on the importance of Lord Shiva in Bhubaneshwar. According to historians, the temple also throws light on how the peaceful worship of Lord Vishnu and Shiva took place in ancient times.
Best Time To Visit Lingaraj Temple
Bhubaneshwar experiences hot and humid weather during summers. But that is a good time to visit. Because the evening is cool and pleasant. In the evening one can visit Old Town and Biju Patnaik Park. Monsoon in Bhubaneswar starts with the arrival of June. and ends in September. The city receives heavy rainfall during monsoon.
At that time tourists can enjoy the natural places. If we talk about the same winter, then the beauty of Bhubaneswar is added to the beauty of that time. In winter the temperature remains up to 7 °C. The weather is pleasant and the perfect season to visit because of it.
Tips For Visiting Lingaraj Temple
Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple.
Stay away from everyone who serves the puja except the temple priest.
Photography is prohibited in the temple.
Take off your shoes before entering this temple.
Cameras, mobile phones, any leather goods, polythene and bags are not allowed.
Architecture Of Lingaraj Temple
If you look at the architecture of the Lingaraj temple, then the Orissa style is seen in it along with the Kalinga style. The grand structure of the temple is built of deep shed sandstone. The main entrance of the temple is towards the east. But the smaller entrances are on the northern and southern sides. Covering an area of 2,50,000 square feet, the Lingaraj Temple is in the vicinity of the Bindu Sagar Lake. Sculptures have been carved around the walls of the fort. The minarets of the temple are 45.11 meters away. There are more than 150 small temples in its premises.
Divided into four departments or temples, the temple is a structure with a main sanctum. It includes the Jaganmohan or assembly hall, the nata mandir or festival hall and the Bhoga-mandapa or the hall of offerings. There are four doors on the side of Bhogamandpa. It has ornate Hindu symbols on the outer walls. The roof of the complex is pyramidal in shape. There is an inverted bell and Kalash on its top. Natmandir has two doors. He decorates the idols of men and women. And the steps have a flat roof. There are thick pylons inside the hall.
Jagmohan has entrances from south and north. The 30 m high pyramidal roof is decorated with honeycomb windows and images of lions sitting on hind legs. The main deity of the temple is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum, the Shivalingam 8 inches above the floor and 8 feet in diameter. The tower is carved 180 feet high. The river passes through the Lingaraj temple. The point of the temple fills the Sagar Tank with the water of the river. Its water cures physical and mental diseases. The water is drunk as nectar and the devotees take a bath in the tank.
Darshan And Aarti Timings at Lingaraja Temple
The opening time of Lingaraja temple is 2 am.
Mangal Aarti takes place before 2:30.
Ballv bhog is done at 4 o’clock.
One can have darshan of the idol in the temple from 6 to 10 in the morning.
Fifty-seven bhog is done from 10 am to 11 am.
Aarti takes place at 5 to 6 in the evening.
Big makeup takes place at 10 o’clock.
The doors of the temple close at 10:30.
No online ticket is required for Abhishek and Darshan in the temple. But to come here, you have to buy a ticket to get the worship done. Here devotees first take bath in Bindu Sarovar. After that Kshetrapati Arant takes darshan of Vasudev. After worshiping Ganesha, Goparini worships Devi and Nandi and enters the temple to worship Lingaraj. In the temple, men have to wear kurta pajama and women have to wear half sari or suit with sari, Punjabi dress dupatta.
Mythological Story Of Lingaraj Temple
There is a legend associated with the Lingaraj temple. Shiva once asked Goddess Parvati why he favors Bhubaneshwar over Banaras. So Mother Parvati had arrived in the form of normal cattle to explore the city. When they searched, two demons named Kriti and Vasa came. He wanted to marry his mother. But mother agreed. He kept chasing the demon Parvati. Mother destroyed both of them to save. Then Lord Shiva appeared and built Bindu Saras Lake and resided there.
Festivals In Lingaraj Temple
Let us tell you that the most famous festival in the Lingaraj temple is Shivaratri in the month of Falgun. On the day of Shivaratri, people come to the temple to offer prasad to the deity. Thousands of devotees keep fast in it. This festival takes place at night. Devotees break the fast after lighting the Mahadeep. Apart from that Chandan Yatra or Chandan ceremony is one of the main festivals of the temple. It is celebrated for 22 days. At that time those serving in the temple displace themselves in the Bindu Sagar pond.
Both the deities and the devotees are sanctified with sandalwood paste. Dance, communal banquets and infusions take place in the temple. Ashokashtami sees spectacular celebrations of the Rath Yatra of Lingaraja. In it, the deity sitting on the chariot is taken to Rameshwar Deula temple. Devotees see Lingaraj and Lord’s sister Rukmani pulling chariots to the temple. That is the greatest service to God.
Temples Near Lingaraj Temple
Birja Mandir
This temple is 18 Maha Shakti Peeth out of 51 Shakti Peeths of Hindus. The navel of the goddess had fallen at this place. This holy place is located at a distance of 115 km from the city of Bhubaneshwar.
Konark Temple
It is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. temple is 45 km away from Bhubaneshwar which is famous for Sun God and beautiful architecture. It organizes the Orissa Tourism Konark Festival in December.
Puri Temple
Puri Temple is one of the holiest sites in Eastern India. And being one of the Char Dhams, it is the abode of Lord Jagannath. It is the most popular and holy destination 65 km away from Bhubaneshwar.
Rajarani Temple
Dedicated to Lord Brahma, this temple is made of a special type of limestone. He mesmerizes the travelers with his uniqueness.
How To Reach Lingaraj Temple
You can also go by railway, flight and road to reach Lingaraja temple. It is near to Bhubaneshwar airport temple. The temple is 4 km away from the airport. It is connected to all the major cities. Airport Reach Tourists can take public transport to reach Lingaraja Temple. You can also reach Bhubaneshwar via train. After that you can take a cab, taxi or auto to roam here.
Lingaraj Temple Map & Location
Video of Lingaraj Temple Travel Guide
Interesting Facts
The Lingaraj Temple, built in the 11th century, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple is built in Kalinga and Oriya style.
This temple was built by Somvanshi king Jajati Kesari.
The Lingaraj Temple is the largest temple located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha.
Bhubaneswar is also known as the capital and the city of temples.
The Lingaraja temple is built of red sandstone.
Two fierce demons named Litti and Vasa were killed by Goddess Parvati here.
FAQ
Q. What does Lingaraj mean?
Lingaraja means “King of Lingam” which is here referred to Lord Shiva.
Q. Who built the Lingaraj temple?
The temple was built by the Somvanshi king Jajati I (1025-1040) in the 11th century.
Q. Why is Lingaraj Temple famous?
The ancient temple is famous for being referenced in Hindu scriptures and Brahma Purana.
Q. Which temples are near Lingaraja temple?
Jagannath Puri Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Birja Mandir, Rajarani Temple
Q. Why is Shiva called lingaraj?
The term ‘Lingaraj’ suggests ‘the king of Lingas’, where ‘linga’ is the phallic form of Lord Shiva.
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