Lingaraj Temple: Where Divinity Meets Architecture

The Lingaraj Temple, located in the heart of Bhubaneswar, is one of the most famous and ancient Hindu temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a significant pilgrimage destination for devotees of the deity. The temple's construction dates back to the 11th century, during the rule of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Its unique architecture and elaborate carvings make it an architectural marvel of India.

History:

The history of the Lingaraj Temple dates back to the 7th century when Bhubaneswar was the capital of the Kalinga Kingdom. The temple was initially built as a small shrine dedicated to Lord Harihara, a combined form of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Over the centuries, the temple underwent several renovations and expansions, resulting in its present form.

Architecture:

The Lingaraj Temple is known for its unique architecture, which is a combination of the Kalinga and Dravidian styles. The temple complex comprises of several smaller shrines, each dedicated to different deities, such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, and Goddess Parvati.

 

Interesting Facts:

•The Lingaraj Temple is also famous for   its annual Rath Yatra, which is held during   the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July).   The festival sees the procession of Lord   Lingaraj on a chariot, accompanied by his   consort Goddess Parvati and his brother  Lord Jagannath.

•There is also a mention of this temple in   the Brahma Purana which is a revered   scripture of the Hindu religion.

• It’s said that while the construction of   the  temples was on the verge of   completion, the jagannath cult started   taking its shape and this fact has been   testified by the evidence that Lord Shiva   and Lord Vishnu are revered here at this   temple.

•The temple is divided into four sections   - Garbha Grih (sanctum   sanctorum), Yajna  Shala (the hall for   prayers), Bhoga Mandal  (the hall of   offering) and Natya Shala  (hall of dance).

Religious Significance:

Ekamra Purana, a Sanskrit treatise of the 13th century mentions that the presiding deity was not seen as lingam (an aniconic form of Shiva) during the Satya and Treta yugas and only during the Dvapara and Kali yugas, it emerged as a lingam. The lingam in the temple is a natural unshaped stone that rests on a Sakti. Such a lingam is called Krutibasa or Swayambhu and is found in 64 places in different parts of India. 

As per Hindu legend, an underground river  originating  from the Lingaraj  temple fills the Bindusagar Tank  (meaning ocean drop)  and the water  is believed to heal physical and spiritual illness.The water from the tank is thus treated sacred and pilgrims take a holy dip during festive occasions.

 The temple continues to be an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva and is also a popular tourist attraction.

By Manvi Saini