Bhubaneswar is known as the city of temples. With hundreds of temples situating with a distance of just 15 feet between each. In the ancient time, the city was referred to as EkamraKshetra (The Temple City in English). Among all temple, Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar is regarded as the oldest temple.
Lingaraj Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest heritage of Odisha. With a rich history, it is one of the best tourist attraction of Bhubaneswar itself. It is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. It portrays the rapid initial growth of Kalinga architecture. Let’s know more about this marvellous architecture, Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar.
As said before, Lingaraj Temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. Its center tower is of a height of 180 ft (55 m) tall. The temple was built in a structure of Deula. Kalinga Architecture was in the initial state of its growth at the time of building the temple. As history says, it is believed that the temple was built during the time when the Somavamsi were ruling Odisha (Called Kalinga that time). Later, when Gangas started to rule, they made some more advancement in the sculpture and architecture of Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar.
As said earlier, Lingaraj Temple is the oldest temple of Bhubaneswar. As per EkamraPurana, the deity of the temple was worshiped under a Mango Tree (Ekamra) in the ancient times. Taking after that name, Bhubaneswar is also called as EkamraKshetra. Unlike other Shiva temples, here the deity is worshiped as Harihara (a combined form Lord Vishnu and Shiva). As the Gangas made Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, they also added some postures and things related to Lord Vishnu in Lingaraj temple as well.
Due to the cultural beauty and ancient history, Lingaraj temple has been one of the best places for the tourists across the world. The maintenance of the temple is being managed by the Temple Trust Board and the Archaeological Survey of India. Shivratri is observed as the main festival in Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar. Approximately, o’er 6000 tourists visit the temple per day.
The best time to go to the temple is throughout March-April once the summer heat isn’t at its peak.
Road: You can board a local or private bus from the Bermunda Bus stand in Bhubaneswar which is the nearest bus stand.
Train: The nearest railway station is Bhubaneswar railway station which is around 6 km away from the temple.
Air: The BijuPatnaik Airport is around 6 km from the temple. So, you can take a flight as well. Once you reach Bhubaneswar, you can start your journey.
Bhubaneswar Ram Mandir
Khandagiri Udayagiri Caves
Lingaraj Temple
