History, Importance, Interesting Facts, Festival and Travel Guide of Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
Lingaraj Temple is solely dedicated to Lord Shiva situated in Bhubaneshwar, capital Odisha. The 55 mt high towering temple was built in 7th Century by the king Jajati Keshari, it is said that the lingam the form of the Shiva appeared naturally here – Swayambhu Shivlinga. This temple is masterpiece of Indian architecture for its plan, design, craft, joints etc. along with religious significance and one of the main tourist destination in Bhubaneswar. The height of the Lingam is eight inches above the floor, 8 feet in diameter and it is one of the largest and oldest temple in Bhubaneshwar, also mentioned in Brahma Puran. Lingaraj Temple is a spectacular specimen of Orissa style of temples with some pinch of Kalinga style. Every day around 2000 devotees comes here to seek the blessings from Lord Shiva. The image of the Lingaraja is ablated with water several times in a day and decorated with flowers, sandal paste and cloth. Bilva and Tulsi leaves are only used as offering rather than Hemlock flowers which are generally offered to the Shiva’s Temple. Bhang is also being offered by many devotees who come here for worshipping. Along with main shrine, the courtyard of the temple includes around 50 small temples of various Hindu deities.
The majestic structure of the temple in Kalinga style of architecture attracts thousands of devotee throughout the year. Temple campus is divided into main four parts, the Garbh Griha, the Yajna Shala, the Bhoga Mandap and the Natya Shala respectively. Swavaymbhi Shivlinga is placed in center of the Garbh Griha and worshipped as both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu – Hari Hara, thus attracts both tradition, Shaivism and Vaishnava. Trishul and Chakra which represent Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, installed on the main entrance.
As per legends Parvati in the form of cattlewomen was exploring Bhubaneshwar where the two demons was following her named Kritti and Vasa who wanted to marry her. After many refusals they were not agreeing and at last the Parvati destroyed both of them and then Lord Shiva formed the Bindu Saras Lake and resided there for eternity.
The water of the Tank Bindu is said to be very spiritual. It is around 1300 ft long and 700 ft wide and one of the major picnic spot of city. It is believed that the once who take a dip in the tank are free from any illness and the disorders.
Beautiful garden of Ekamra Van lies on the western banks of Bindu Sagar, named after the Hindu mythological texts where Bhubaneswar was referred as Ekamra van or a forest of a single mango tree. The garden is home to a variety of plants traditionally associated with Hindu gods and goddess and having spiritual and medicinal significance.
Shivratri is the main festival of this temple when the whole temple is decorated with flowers, Lanterns and Lights. Thousands of devotee visit here and get blessing of Lord Shiva. Rath Yatra is another major festival celebrated here with great zeal with chanting of Hari Hara – refers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
How to reach Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India
The Bhubaneshwar is very well connected with the major cities of the state Odisha. The availability of the state buses and the private buses is very easily acquired to reach here. The nearest Railway Station is Bhubaneshwar Railway Station at a distance of 5kms. The availability of the flight is from the city itself called the Biju Patnaik International Airport at a distance of 6kms.
