Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
Lingaraj Temple Highlights
Bhubaneshwar is also a revered pilgrimage center, referred to in the Bhrama Purana. The Bhrama Purana refers to Bhubaneshwar as the Ekamra Kshetra enshrining a crore Shiva Lingas.
The Lingaraja temple is said to have been built first by the ruler Yayati Kesari in the 7th century who shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneshwar remained as the Kesari capital, till Nripati Kesari founded Cuttck in the 10th century. Inscriptions from the period of the Kalinga King Anangabhima III from the 13th century are seen here.
Structurally, the Parasurameswara temple at Bhubaneshwar is the oldest, dating back to the middle of the 8th century, and the Lingaraja is temple is assigned to the 10th century. The nata mandir and the bhog mandir of the Lingaraja temple are of later origin.
Legend has it that Shiva revealed to Parvati that Bhubaneshwar - or Ekamra thirtha was a resort favoured by him over Benares. Parvati in the guise of a cowherd woman, decided to look at the city herself. Two demons Kritti and Vasa desired to marry her. She requested them to carry her upon their shoulders, and crushed them under her weight. Shiva, then created the Bindu Saras lake to quench her thirt, and took abode here as Krittivasas or Lingaraja.
The Temple: The vast Bindu Sagar lake is the center around which are located the multitude of temples of Bhubaneshwar. The Lingaraja temple is located in a spacious courtyard covering over 250000 sq feet and is bounded by fortified walls. Its tower rises up to 180 feet and is elaborately carved.
The Shivalingam in the sanctum of the Lingaraja temple rises to a height of 8 inches above the floor level, and is 8 feet in diameter. The Bhagawati temple is located in the northwest corner of the courtyard. There are several other shrines and temples in this vast courtyard.
Worship: A total of 22 worship services are offered each day. Once a year, an image of Lingaraja is taken to the Jalamandir in the center of the Bindu Sagar lake.
Lingaraj Temple Road Map
Nearest Bus Stop
Distance from Railway Station
| Origin | Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Master Canteen Chowk, Kharavela Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha/orissa, India |
| Destination | Lingaraj Temple, Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha/orissa, India |
| Driving Distance | 5 kms or 3.1 miles or 2.7 nautical miles |
| Driving Time | 6 minutes |
Route Map
Distance from Airport
| Origin | Airport Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India |
| Destination | Lingaraj Temple, Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha/orissa, India |
| Driving Distance | 4 kms or 2.5 miles or 2.2 nautical miles |
| Driving Time | 4 minutes |
Route Map
Things to Do near Lingaraja Temple
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Siddhesvara Temple
Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
0.2 km from Lingaraja Temple -
Ananta Vasudeva Temple
In Main City, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
0.3 km from Lingaraja Temple -
Rameswar Temple
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
0.3 km from Lingaraja Temple -
Parsurameswar Temple
Near Lingaraj Temple, Near Bhubaneswar-Puri Road, Bhubaneswar
0.4 km from Lingaraja Temple -
Markandesvara Temple
Near Bindu Sagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
0.4 km from Lingaraja Temple -
Mukteswara Temple
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
0.8 km from Lingaraja Temple -
Kedargauri Temple
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
0.7 km from Lingaraja Temple
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Ratings
Reviews
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Mr Mallick
98*****056 YesterdayLingaraja Temple in Bhubaneshwar, was a lovely experience for us....Although the pandas in the Temple create little problem, otherwise the place is so peaceful....Had lots of other temples inside the premises apart from the main temple....We loved it....Highly recommended.... -
Ms Neha Dubey
94*****145 9th Jan 2016Cannot carry mobile or bag inside. Every two step some one approaches saying he can guide you. You can spend 20 to 30 minutes. -
Mr Anil M
90*****249 4th Jan 2016A must see for every visitor to Bhubaneshwar. Very impressive temple. Over a thousand years old dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has marvelous, intricate carvings from top to bottom that leave you in awe. Wish they allowed the cameras in. -
Mr Singh
98*****874 3rd Jan 2016This temple is a famous Hindu temple of lord shiva. From structure it looked like almost 300 years old. Amazing feeling very peaceful inside. Not very crowded. Odisha govt. should spend some money on maintenance of this grand old temple. If you are in Bhubaneswar... -
Mr Arindam Sahoo
90*****598 1st Jan 2016We visited this temple over 100 years old devoted to Shiva . It is a peaceful place and the architecture is unique. -
Ms Simran
83*****347 31st Dec 2015The famous Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the East Indian state of Odisha. The temple is active in worship practises, unlike most other temples in Bhubaneswar -
Ms Mohapatra
97*****633 24th Dec 2015just one advice stay away form the pandas they will loot you with everything you have and will easily cheat you saying sweet words
