Lingaraja Temple

Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The temple is believed to be built by the kings of the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers.
The temple is a classic example of the Kalinga style of architecture.
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), each increasing in height compared to its predecessor.
The harmony between the two sects of Hinduism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism, is seen where the deity is worshipped as Harihara, a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva.

Source: TH

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12 March, 2021
5 Min Read

Lingaraja Temple

Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar.

The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar.
The temple represents the quintessence of Kalinga architecture.
The temple is believed to be built by the kings of the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers.
Lingaraj is referred to as ‘Swayambhu” – self-originated Shivling.
Another important aspect of the temple is that it signifies the synchronisation of Shaivism and Vaishnavism sects in Odisha.
Perhaps the rising cult of Lord Jagannath (considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) which coincided with the completion of the Lingaraja Temple had a role to play.
The presiding deity in the Temple is known as Hari-Hara; Hari denotes Lord Vishnu and Hara meaning Lord Shiva.
The temple is out of bounds for non-Hindus.
The other attraction of the temple is the Bindusagar Lake, located in the north side of the temple.
On the western banks of Bindusagar, lies the garden of Ekamra Van named after the Hindu mythological texts where Bhubaneswar the capital city of Odisha was referred as Ekamra Van or a forest of a single mango tree.

Components of Lingaraj temple

The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components namely, vimana (structure containing the sanctum), jagamohana (assembly hall), Nata Mandira (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings), each increasing in the height to its predecessor.

Other Important Monuments in Odisha

- Konark Sun Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Jagannath Temple
- Tara Tarini Temple
- Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves

Source: TH

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