Lingaraj Temple History

Lingaraj Temple 

The Lingaraj Temple, a stunning example of Kalinga architecture, is the center of Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s spiritual life. This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. This ancient temple is a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage.

About Lingaraj Temple

One of the main tourist destinations in the state and the most noticeable feature in Bhubaneswar is the temple. Here, Parvati, her consort, is also referred to as Girija or Annapurna.

Lingaraja Temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The central gopuram of the temple is 180 feet (55 m) high. This temple represents the essence of Kalinga architecture. It marked the end of the medieval architectural tradition in Bhubaneswar.

The temple is thought to have been constructed in the eleventh century by Somavamsi dynasty monarchs. Later Ganga monarchs added to the temple, which was constructed in the Devala style. They consist of four parts namely vimana (sanctum sanctorum structure), jagamohana (assembly hall), natamandira (ceremonial hall) and bhoga-mandapa (offering hall).

The temple complex is encircled by a huge compound wall and has 108 more shrines. The elaborate sculptures that adorn the walls of the temple portray celestial beings, mythological legends, and everyday life.

This makes it an easily recognizable landmark from a distance. The architecture of the temple demonstrates the blending of Shaivism with Vaishnavism. Interestingly, the temple also has idols of Lord Vishnu and other deities. It depicts the peaceful coexistence of various religious traditions.

Because the Sanskrit classic Ekamra Purana from the 13th century mentions that the god Lingaraja initially lived under a mango tree (Ekamra), Bhubaneswar is also known as Ekamra Kshetra.

Unlike other temples in Bhubaneswar, this temple is active in puja activities. The temple has idols of Lord Vishnu due to the importance of the Jagannatha sect, descended from the Ganga rulers who built the Jagannatha temple at Puri in the 12th century. Lingaraja, the temple’s principal deity, is revered as Lord Shiva.

The Lingaraja Temple is managed by the Temple Trust Board and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The temple has an average of 6,000 visitors per day and hundreds of thousands of visitors during festivals.

The primary festival observed at the temple is Shivaratri, which drew 200,000 visitors in 2012. The temple compound is not open to non-Hindus, but there is a viewing platform next to the wall that offers a good view of the main exterior. It was originally built for the visit of Lord Curzon during his Viceroyalty.

Architectural Brilliance

Built in the Kalinga style of architecture, the Lingaraja Temple is a marvel of design and engineering. The intricate carvings on the walls of the temple depict mythological stories, celestial beings and everyday life, providing a glimpse into the artistic prowess of the age. The temple complex is an interesting destination to explore because it is large and contains several other shrines.

Divine experience

A visit to Lingaraja Temple is a spiritual journey. There is a devotional and peaceful atmosphere. Seeing the evening aarti and daily rituals is a very enlightening experience. There is an observation platform where guests can take in the temple’s façade even if they are not permitted inside the main shrine.

Important note for visitors

Although the temple is a magnificent sight, it is essential to respect the religious sentiments of the place. It is forbidden for non-Hindus to enter the main temple. But there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the architecture and the serene ambiance in the outside courtyard and its environs.

Planning your visit

Best time to visit: Bhubaneswar is most nice from October to March.

Things to pack include comfy shoes, a water bottle, and a camera for taking pictures outside.

Explore further ancient sites and temples in the area, such as Bhubaneswar’s Mukteshwar Temple and Rajarani Temple.

Respectful Attire: Dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing. Respect the sanctity of the temple.

lingaraj temple road

Lingaraj Temple Road: A Spiritual and Cultural Centre
Lingaraj Temple Road is more than simply a road; it’s a bustling thoroughfare that links residents, visitors, and devotees to Bhubaneswar’s spiritual center. The avenue, which bears the name of the magnificent Lingaraj Temple, is a hive of religious, cultural, and economic activity.

Named after the majestic Lingaraj Temple, this road is steeped in history, culture and religious significance.

A garment of devotion and commerce

As you travel down Lingaraj Temple Road, you will encounter a fascinating blend of spirituality and commerce. Shops along the roadside provide handcrafted goods from the area, souvenirs, and religious artifacts. The air is filled with the distinct scent of incense and the steady singing of prayers.

A gateway to spiritual exploration

Of course, the main attraction along the way is the Lingaraj Temple, an amazing feat of architecture honoring Lord Shiva. Outside the temple, you will find smaller shrines and temples dedicated to other deities, inviting you to explore Odisha’s diverse religious landscape.

It’s a bustling market where you can find everything from local handicrafts and souvenirs to delicious street food. In addition, the road is lined with guest houses, motels, and restaurants that serve the needs of tourists.

A center of activity

Lingaraj Temple Road is a busy business district in addition to a site of spiritual significance.
You will find a variety of shops, restaurants and hotels to cater to the needs of pilgrims and tourists. The route is always bustling, especially on religious holidays and during festivals.

Walking this road is an immersive experience that offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of the city.

History

The temple was built in the latter part of the eleventh century and is still standing today. According to certain Sanskrit literature from the seventh century, there is proof that a portion of the temple was constructed in the sixth century CE.

Fergusson believes that Lalat Indu Keshari, who ruled from 615 to 657 CE, may have started this temple. The assembly hall (jagamohana), sanctum sanctorum and temple dome were built in the eleventh century, while the hall of offerings (bhoga-mandapa) was built in the twelfth century. Natamandira was built by Salini’s wife between 1099 and 1104 CE.

Historians contend that the presence of the Jagannatha (a branch of Vishnu) sect in the area by the time the Lingaraja temple was completed is proof that the sect was expanding there. Vishnu and Shiva worship in the temple. The kings of the Ganga dynasty were great followers of Vaishnavism, [Saivism] and [Shaktiism] and built the Jagannatha temple at Puri in the 12th century.

According to some accounts, the temple is believed to have been built by the Somavamsi king Yayati I (1025-1040) in the 11th century CE. Jajati Keshari shifted his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar, which is mentioned as Ekamra Kshetra in the ancient text Brahma Purana. One of the Somavamsi queens gave a hamlet to the temple, and the Brahmins attached to the temple received large presents.

According to an inscription from Saka year 1094 (1172 CE), the temple received gold coins as a gift from Rajaraja II. An other 11th-century inscription by Narasimha I speaks of the offering of betel leaves to the presiding person called tambulam. Other stone inscriptions in the temple refer to royal grants from the Chodaganga to the people of nearby villages.

According to K.C. Panigrahi, Yaiti I did not have enough time to complete the temple, and it is possible that his sons Ananta and Udyota Kesari—who are also thought to be alternate names for Yayati II—started it. The counterargument to this notion is that such a spectacular structure could not have been constructed by his weak successors.

Hotels Near Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar

It’s simple to find cozy lodging close to Bhubaneswar’s spiritual center, Lingaraj Temple!
There are many different lodging alternatives in the city to fit every taste and budget. Here are some popular options:

Gokul Bhavan: Famous for its proximity to the temple.
Airavat: Offers a blend of comfort and budget-friendly pricing.

OYO Archi Oasis: A chain hotel with several locations near the temple. a straightforward but cozy stay with few facilities.

Airawat: Offers hassle-free rooms with indoor and outdoor event spaces.

Mid-range hotels
If you want a little more comfort and convenience, there are several mid-range hotels available near Lingaraj Temple. These hotels often offer modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi and room service.

Luxury accommodation
For those seeking a luxurious stay, Bhubaneswar offers some upscale hotels that combine modern amenities with traditional Odia hospitality. They are a little distance from the temple, but after a day of touring, they provide a place to unwind.

Important considerations
When choosing a hotel, consider the following factors:

Determine how near you wish to be to the Lingaraja Temple in terms of proximity.

Amenities: Consider your needs like Wi-Fi, air conditioning and room service.
Budget: Determine how much you can afford to help you stay focused.
Reviews: To obtain a sense of the hotel’s caliber, read reviews left by previous visitors.
You may select the ideal hotel to ensure that your trip to Bhubaneswar is unforgettable by carefully taking into account these elements.

lingaraj temple distance

bhubaneswar railway station to lingaraj temple distance

Lingaraj Temple and Bhubaneswar Railway Station are roughly 5 miles apart. It is very convenient for the visitors who come by train to reach this holy shrine.

Travel can be covered in different ways:

On foot: The distance is reasonably achievable for people who like to stroll at a leisurely pace. It’s a pleasant walk through the city, offering a glimpse into local life.

Auto-rickshaw: The most common mode of transport for short distances in Bhubaneswar, auto-rickshaws are readily available outside the railway station.

Taxi: For a more comfortable journey, you can hire a taxi.

Lingaraj Temple’s proximity to Bhubaneswar Railway Station makes it a popular choice for pilgrims and tourists visiting the city.

puri to lingaraj temple distance

Puri to Lingaraj Temple: A Scenic Journey

There are almost 54 kilometers separating Puri and Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.

It offers a comfortable road trip of an hour to an hour and a half.

Traveling across the picturesque coastal plains, you can have a glimpse of the stunning natural surroundings of Odisha. The roads are generally well maintained, making the drive pleasant.

Whether you choose to travel by car, taxi or bus, the journey between these two sacred destinations is sure to be memorable.

bhubaneswar to lingaraj temple distance

Lingaraj Temple is conveniently located in the city of Bhubaneswar.

The distance between the heart of the city and the temple Bhubaneswar and Lingaraj Temple is about 5 kms.

Because of its short travel time, both visitors and residents can easily visit the temple and take advantage of other Bhubaneswar attractions before or after.

The temple is conveniently accessible by a number of modes of transportation, including taxis, autorickshaws, and, if you’d rather a leisurely stroll, foot.

bhubaneswar airport to lingaraj temple distance

Around 4-5 kilometers separate Bhubaneswar Airport (Biju Patnaik International Airport) from Lingaraj Temple.

It’s easy to get to the temple via taxi, autorickshaw, or even on foot if you’d rather because it’s close to the airport.

It is convenient for visitors to visit this holy site soon after arriving in the city because of its low distance.

The journey usually takes around 10-15 minutes by road depending on traffic conditions. The temple is conveniently accessible by taxi, autorickshaw, or even rental vehicle.

konark to lingaraj temple distance

The distance between Konark and Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar is about 59 kms (36.66 miles ). It makes for a comfortable road trip, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of Odisha.

The average driving time is one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic conditions. It is a popular route for tourists visiting these two iconic landmarks.

You will travel this distance to experience the spiritual brilliance of the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and the majesty of the Sun Temple in Konark, providing a culturally immersive experience rich and fulfilling journey.

lingaraj temple idol

This 54.8 meter tall Hindu temple dominates the skyline of Bhubaneswar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and a huge idol made of granite is enshrined. The statue is 8 feet in diameter. The Lingaraj temple is constructed from sandstone that has a deep red hue.

It is a shapeless stone which is believed to have divine origin. The pedestal on which the linga is perched represents Shakti, the pure feminine force.

The Lingaraj idol’s intriguing quality is its special ability to blend aspects of Shiva and Vishnu. It is believed to represent harmony between the two primary deities of Hinduism. The temple complex also has an idol of Vishnu in the form of a Saligram, further underscoring this unique cult mix.

The idol of Lingaraja is bathed daily with water, milk and bhang (marijuana), a ritual followed for centuries. People travel great distances to venerate this holy form and give prayers.

is lingaraj temple a jyotirlinga ?

Displaying a typical Kalinga-style temple architecture, the Lingaraj Temple in the old town of Bhubaneswar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Its architectural style is a fine example of the fusion of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

Dharamshala Near Lingaraj Temple

Why Choose Dharamshala?

Dharamshalas provide a special fusion of spirituality, cultural immersion, and affordability.

These classic lodges are ideal for travelers on a tight budget and those seeking a serene setting because they frequently offer both.

lingaraj temple plan and elevation

There are 150 little temples within the complex’s large courtyard, which is 45.11 meters (148.0 feet) high. Every inch of the 55-meter (180-foot) tall structure is sculpted. The gate at the entryway is constructed of sandalwood. Sandstone and laterite were used to construct the Lingaraja temple, which faces east.

lingaraj temple bhubaneswar timings

Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar is open for devotees. Every day lingaraj temple opening time from 6:30 AM and lingaraj temple closing time is  9:00 PM . Please note that these timings may vary especially on festivals and special occasions. It’s a good idea to confirm the most recent times before you travel.

Lingaraj Temple Who Built

King Jajati Kesari of Odisha mostly constructed the Lingaraj temple around the eleventh century. His reign is considered the golden age of temple building in the region and the Lingaraj Temple stands as a magnificent testimony to his patronage of arts and culture.

However, it is important to note that the construction of the temple was gradual with donations from various dynasties over the centuries. The Somavamsi dynasty is also credited with starting the construction of the temple, with later additions and expansions by the Ganga rulers.

Although the main structure is largely attributed to Jajati Kesari, the magnificence and complexity of the temple is the result of the collective efforts of many generations and ruling dynasties. However, it is important to note that this magnificent structure is the culmination of many centuries of effort. Subsequent rulers, including the Ganga dynasty, contributed to its expansion and embellishment.

 

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