Lingaraj Temple

The Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Harihara (a syncretic form representing both Shiva and Vishnu), stands as the largest and one of the most revered temples in Bhubaneswar, the 'Temple City' of Odisha. Its origins can be traced back to earlier shrines existing at the site possibly from the 7th century CE, associated with the Somavamshi dynasty's predecessors. However, the construction of the present magnificent and colossal structure is largely credited to the Somavamshi kings, particularly King Jajati Keshari in the 11th century. The temple complex was further expanded and possibly completed under the succeeding Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 12th century. Lingaraj Temple represents the quintessence and culmination of the Kalinga style of temple architecture, showcasing its maturity and grandeur. The main temple structure follows a fully developed plan with four principal components aligned axially: the towering Vimana (the main sanctum tower or Rekha Deul) soaring to a height of about 55 meters (180 feet), the Jagamohana (audience hall or Pidha Deul) with its characteristic pyramidal roof, the Nata Mandira (festival or dance hall), and the Bhoga Mandapa (hall of offerings). The entire complex is enclosed within a spacious compound wall. The temple is adorned with elaborate and intricate sculptural work covering its surfaces, depicting deities, celestial beings, animals, floral motifs, and narrative scenes, though perhaps slightly less ornate than the earlier Mukteswara or Rajarani temples. The central deity, Lingaraj, is considered swayambhu (self-manifested) and is worshipped as both Shiva and Vishnu, signifying attempts at synthesis between Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The temple remains a major pilgrimage center, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during Shivaratri. However, access into the main sanctum and inner courtyard is restricted to Hindus, a practice maintained at several major temples in Odisha. Lingaraj dominates the skyline of old Bhubaneswar and embodies the city's deep historical connection to Shaivism.