Mahadeva Lingaraja Temple: Complete Information and Travel Guide!
Mahadeva Lingaraja Temple is one of those Lord Shiva temples that are famous for their insane architecture and historical presence. But some Shiva Bhaktas don't know about this temple. Today, you will learn about the amazing history of Lingaraj Temple, facts about its awesome architecture, and a complete travel guide with useful suggestions that will make your visit to Lingaraj Temple comfortable and memorable.
Contents:
- About Lingaraja Temple
- History of Lingaraja Temple
- How to reach Lingaraja Temple
- Some suggestions before going to Lingaraja Temple
- Amazing Facts about Lingaraja Temple
- Overall Budget of the travel
- FAQs
About Lingaraja Temple
Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva in Odisha state. It is located in the capital of Odisha state, Bhubaneswar. Every tourist tries to come to this beautiful architectural Shiva Temple. Thus, this is one of the major tourist attractions in Odisha state. But only Hindus are allowed to enter the main temple hall. This temple is the largest temple in the state capital. The main tower of the Lingaraj Temple is actually 55 meters (180 feet) tall. The Shivaratri festival is the major festival of this temple, and the most devotees come on this day. This temple is built in Kalinga-style architecture. This temple has a unique Swayambhu Linga, which is the form of Harihara, a combined form of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
History of Lingaraja Temple
The history of Lingaraj Temple includes both spiritual and cultural evolution. The history of the Lingaraja Temple dates back to the 7th century CE, during the rule of the Somavamsi dynasty. The first construction is believed to have been started by King Jajati Keshari. The Somavamsis were orthodox followers of Lord Shiva. The temple saw major expansion and was largely completed in its current form during the 11th century under the power of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple’s architectural style evolved into the Kalinga style, as seen by its intricate carvings, towering spires, and a horizontal mandapa (jagamohana) with pyramidal roofs. One of the most unique facts of the Lingaraja Temple is its dedication to Harihara, a syncretic deity combining forms of both Shiva (Hara) and Vishnu (Hari). This symbolizes the combination of Shaivism (Lord Shiva Followers) and Vaishnavism (Lord Vishnu Followers). This temple has its own unique Shiva Linga, Swayambhu Linga, believed to be naturally formed. This temple attracts thousands of Shiva devotees daily and is one of the major tourist attractions in the state.
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How to reach Lingaraja Temple
There are many ways to reach Lingaraj Temple.
- Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar.
- Distance to Temple: The temple is approx. 4 kilometers from the airport.
- Auto-rickshaws are also available nearby and are a cheaper alternative to taxis.
- By Train:
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS) is the major railway station.
- Distance to Temple: The temple is about 6 kilometers from the railway station.
- You can take a taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available outside the railway station.
- Local buses also travels between the railway station and Lingaraja Temple, though they may be less convenient.
- By Road
- Bhubaneswar is connected by bus from nearby cities. You can take a bus to the Bhubaneswar Bus Station.
- City buses operated by the Bhubaneswar City Bus service (CRUT) connect various parts of the city to the temple.
- If you’re driving a car, you can use a GPS navigation app to reach the temple. The address is Lingaraj Temple Road, Old Town, Bhubaneswar.
Some suggestions before going to Lingaraja Temple
Here are some suggestions which will make your Lingaraj Temple journey more comfortable, easy and safe:
- The temple opens early in the morning around 5:00 AM and closes in the evening around 9:00 PM.
- Mornings and evenings are the best times to visit for a peaceful experience and to see the aarti ceremonies.
- Wear traditional or modest clothing. Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple area. Non-Hindus can view the temple from a specified platform outside.
- Respect the temple’s rules regarding entry.
- Leather items like belts, wallets, and shoes are not allowed inside the temple area.
- The temple can get very crowded during festivals and weekends.
- Carry water and stay hydrated. Take breaks if you need to, as the temple area is very big.
- After your temple visit, you can explore nearby attractions like Mukteshvara Temple, Rajarani Temple, and Ananta Vasudeva Temple.
Amazing Facts about Lingaraja Temple
Here are some amazing facts about Lingaraj Temple which will make you more eager to visit this temple:
- Lingaraja Temple organizes several festivals every the year, including Shivaratri, Ratha Yatra, and Kartik Purnima.
- It shows Kalinga-style architecture, characterized by towering spires, intricate carvings, and a horizontal mandapa with pyramidal roofs, reflecting the region's rich historical cultural heritage.
- Lingaraja Temple have a unique self-manifested lingam known as the Swayambhu Linga, believed to have emerged naturally from the ground.
- The temple is dedicated to Harihara, a God representing the combined forms of Lord Shiva (Hara) and Lord Vishnu (Hari).
- Near to the temple is a sacred tank known as the Bindusagar Tank, believed to contain holy water that is used for various rituals by devotees.
Overall Budget of the travel
Conclusion
FAQs
What is special about Lingaraj Temple?
Lingaraj Temple, an architectural model in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is famous for its amazing Kalinga-style architecture, intricate carvings, and spiritual presence, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Harihara, a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu.
What is on the top of Lingaraj Temple?
Atop Lingaraj Temple stands a large, kalasha (pot-like structure) decorated with a trident and a flag, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s presence and the temple's spiritual space.
Which style is Lingaraj temple?
Lingaraj Temple is built in the Kalinga style, a distinctive architectural form of the Odisha region, known for its intricate carvings, towering spires (Rekha deul), and the horizontal mandapa (Jagmohan) with pyramidal roofs.
What are the rules for Lingaraj Temple?
When visiting Lingaraj Temple, here are some key rules to keep in mind:
1. Dress modestly
2.Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple hall
3. Items made of leather, such as belts and wallets, should not be carried inside the temple area.
How much time is required to visit Lingaraj Temple?
It will take just 15-25 minutes for darshan in Lingaraj Temple.
How much is the ticket for Lingaraj?
There is no entry fee for visiting Lingaraj Temple.
How many people visit Lingaraj Temple?
Daily around 6,500 devotees visits this temple and this counting increases during festivals.
Why is there no lingam in Lingaraj Temple?
There is no lingam in Lingaraj Temple because it has a unique Swayambhu Linga, a self-manifested form representing Harihara, a combined form of both Shiva and Vishnu, symbolizing the unity of different Hindu traditions.
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