Lingaraj Temple

Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar – dedicated to Lord Shiva

Lingaraj Temple – The most popular temples of Orissa dedicated to Lord Shiva

Location: Inside Bhubaneswar

Constructed in Kalingan Pancharatha Style in 11th century C.E. by King Jajati Keshari Lingaraj Temple is a place of worship of the Hindu god Harihara and is one of the oldest temples of the Temple City Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Lingaraj temple, the most popular temples of Orissa is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

This temple has four major parts to add glory to its beauty and harmony: the main temple, the Yajna Shala, the Bhoga Mandap and the Natya Shala. It is located within a large compound wall of measuring 520 feet by 465 feet. It has images of both Shiva and Vishnu.

The temple is decorated with beautiful sculptures. It has been engraved to turn out beautiful idols of gods and goddess. Lingaraja temple is approximately 54.8 metres high and preserves a huge statue of Lord Shiva, made up of granite. The idol is 8 feet in diameter and is placed on a platform that is about 8 inches above ground. The deity is bathed everyday with water, milk and bhang (marijuana).