Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Indian state of Odisha. The temple is the most prominent landmark of Bhubaneswar city and one of the major tourist attractions of the state. Shiva’s consort and the temple’s presiding Goddess, Parvati, is referred to as Annapurna or Girija.

Legend

Bhubaneswar is called the Ekamra Kshetra as the deity of Lingaraja was originally under a mango tree (Ekamra) as noted in Ekamra Purana, a 13th-century Sanskrit treatise. Ekamra Purana mentions that the presiding deity was not seen as lingam (an aniconic form of Shiva) during the Satya and Treta yugas and only during the Dvapara and Kali yugas, it emerged as a lingam. The lingam in the temple is a natural unshaped stone that rests on a Sakti. Such a lingam is called Swayambhu and traditionally believed to be found in 64 places in different parts of India. According to the Ekamra Purana, this land was once a dense forest filled with mango trees, and it was here that Lord Shiva manifested himself as a Lingam beneath a sacred mango tree. The word “Ekamra” means “one mango,” referring to that very mystical tree under which the first worship of Shiva took place.

History

The temple in its present form dates back to the last decade of the eleventh century. There is evidence that part of the temple was built during the sixth century CE as mentioned in some of the seventh century Sanskrit texts. The temple construction is believed to have been initiated by the Somavanshi king Yayati I (1025–1040), during the 11th century CE and finally completed and expanded by the later rulers. Jajati Keshari shifted his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar. An inscription from the Saka year 1094 (1172 CE) indicates gifts of gold coins to the temple by Rajaraja II. Another inscription of Narasimha I from the 11th century indicates offer of beetel leaves as tambula to the presiding deity. Other stone inscriptions in the temple indicate royal grants from Chodaganga (11th -12th century CE) to the nearby village people. With the advent of the Ganga dynasty in the early 12th century, consequent to the raising prominence of Jagannath sect Vaishnavite impact became predominant during the construction of the temple. The Gangas remodelled the temple and introduced certain Vaishnavite elements like images of Vaishnava Dwarapalas namely Jaya and Prachanda; the flag of the temple was fixed to a Pinaka bow instead of trident usually found in Shiva temples. The sanctum sanctorum houses a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga, which is around 8 feet in diameter and 8 inches tall. The Assembly Hall (jagamohana), sanctum sanctorum and temple tower were built during the eleventh century, while the Hall of offering (bhoga-mandapa) was built during the twelfth century. The natamandira was built between 1099 and 1104 CE.

Archaeology

The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar and is a testament to the Kalinga style of temple architecture. The temple complex has a huge laterite compound wall measuring 22,720 sq. m. Within this complex lies the 180 feet tall mesmerizing Lingaraj Temple that dominates the city’s skyline. There are 150 small shrines in its courtyard as well. The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components namely, vimana (structure containing the sanctum), jagamohana (assembly hall), natamandira (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings) with all four in axial alignment with descending height. Vimana is the main sanctum, whose tower is 180 feet high and is intricately sculpted from top to bottom. Jagamohana is the assembly hall, which has two entrance gates one from the north and another from the south. The entrance gates of the assembly hall feature perforated windows with images of lions on hind legs (back legs). Nata Mandira is the festival hall, which has two side entrance doors and one main entrance door. The side walls of this hall feature intricately sculpted figures of couples and women. Bhoga Mandapa is the hall of offering and the roof of this hall is pyramidal in shape that holds an inverted bell and a Kalash at the top. The exterior walls of this hall feature sculptures of beasts and men.

At the temple entrance, a prominent trident (Trishul) can be seen, featuring an idol of Lord Shiva at the centre, flanked by two idols of Lord Vishnu on either side. The temple stands as a powerful symbol of harmony between two major spiritual traditions that is Hari (Vishnu)-Hara (Shiva). The Lingam, is ritually worshipped every day with offerings of milk, water, and bhanga, following age-old customs. Historically, Odisha developed a strong tradition of coexistence between Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The growing prominence of Jagannath Temple influenced religious practices across Odisha, including Lingaraj Temple. Lingaraja temple is maintained jointly by the Temple Trust Board and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The walls of the temple are adorned with detailed sculptures depicting mythological stories, showcasing the artistic excellence of ancient craftsmen. The high walls of Lingaraja temple, that have been built by using solid red sandstones, give the temple a look of a fortress, when viewed from outside. Its tower, dominating the surroundings, is visible from miles around. The temple is set in a huge walled compound measuring 520 feet by 465 feet and the outer walls of the temple are lavishly decorated with beautiful sculptures that consist of birds, beasts, creepers, flowers, men and women in erotic poses and postures, a host of gods and goddesses all are there in their full majesty and grandeur.

The Bindu Sarovar (temple tank) is situated to the north of the Lingaraj Temple. This lake is 700 ft wide and 1300 ft long. It becomes the focal point of the Chandan Yatra festival each year. A beautiful garden lies on the western banks of it, known as Ekamra Van, meaning a forest of a single mango tree. This garden has a variety of plants, which are associated with different Hindu gods and goddesses and are known for their medicinal properties.

James Fergusson (1808–86), a noted critic and historian hailed the temple as “one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple in India”.

The Lingaraja temple faces east and is built of Khondalite and laterite. The main entrance is located in the east, while there are small entrances in the north and south. The dance hall was associated with the raising prominence of the devadasi system that existed during the time. The door in the gate of the entrance porch is made of sandalwood.

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, the then Viceroy.

Festivals

Shivaratri is the main festival celebrated annually in Phalgun month (February/ March) when thousands of devotees visit the temple. Thousands of bol bom pilgrims carry water from river Mahanadi and walk all the way to the temple during the month of Shravana (July/August) every year. Chandan Yatra (Sandalwood ceremony) is a 22-day festival celebrated in the temple every year starting on Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day in the Hindu month of Vaishakha (April–May) when servants of the temple disport themselves in a specially made barge in Bindusagar tank. The deities and servants of the temples are anointed with sandalwood paste to protect from heat.

The annual Car Festival or Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj is called as Ashokashtami. It is celebrated with much fervor on the eight day of Chaitra month (March/April) as per the Hindu calendar. It is believed that worship on this day helps devotees overcome sorrow and suffering. During the festival, the idol of Lord Lingaraj is taken to the Rameswar Temple (also called as Mausi Maa Temple) in a decorated chariot. The idol of the deity is brought back to the Lingaraj Temple after four days, following a ritual bath at the Bindu Sarovar. Devotees gather in large numbers to attend this festival and pay their homage.

How to Reach Lingaraj Temple?

From Bhubaneswar Railway Station: Approximately 5 km, which can be covered within 15–20 minutes by road depending on traffic conditions.

From Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneshwar): Around 4 to 5 km, making it a short and convenient drive for air travellers.

From Puri: Approximately 60 km, making it ideal for a day trip or as part of a combined Bhubaneswar–Puri travel plan.

Bhubaneshwar has good connectivity with other parts of the country by national highways and roads.

Reference:

• (https://bhubaneswartourism.in/lingaraja-temple-bhubaneswar)
• (https://lordlingaraj.org.in/)