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Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar
Harihara (Shiva-Vishnu) · Ekamra Kshetra · Odisha
॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
The Lingaraja Temple is the greatest of Bhubaneswar’s temples and the high point of Kalinga architecture, its tower rising about 55 metres over the old city of Ekamra Kshetra. The presiding lingam is worshipped as Harihara — Shiva and Vishnu in one — and is bathed daily with water and bhang, drawing pilgrims from across Odisha to a shrine that has been continuously worshipped for nearly a thousand years.
Why the lingam is worshipped as Harihara
The Lingaraja, “king of lingams”, is unusual in being honoured as Harihara, the union of Shiva (Hara) and Vishnu (Hari). The svayambhu lingam in the sanctum is offered both bilva leaves, sacred to Shiva, and tulsi, sacred to Vishnu — a rare reconciliation of the two traditions in a single deity that reflects the religious blending of medieval Odisha.
The peak of Kalinga architecture
Built largely in the 11th century under the Somavamshi and Ganga kings, the temple is the most accomplished expression of the Kalinga style. Its rekha deula tower soars above a sequence of halls — the jagamohana (assembly), nata mandira (dance hall) and bhoga mandapa (offering hall) — every surface alive with carved figures, foliage and miniature shrines. The complex holds dozens of subsidiary shrines within its walls.
Bindusagar and the sacred geography
Beside the temple lies the Bindusagar tank, believed to gather waters from every sacred river of India, in which pilgrims bathe before darshan. Bhubaneswar takes its old name Ekamra Kshetra from the single mango tree (ekamra) under which Shiva is said to have dwelt; the Lingaraja is the heart of that sacred city of a hundred shrines.
Festivals and worship
Maha Shivaratri is the temple’s grandest night, when thousands keep vigil and a great lamp is raised over the tower. The annual Rukuna Rath Yatra carries the deity in a chariot to a garden temple. Daily worship is elaborate, and a long sequence of rituals marks the day from the dawn awakening of the deity to the night rest.
Entry and how to reach
As at several major Odishan temples, entry to the inner enclosure is traditionally restricted to those of Hindu faith; a viewing platform outside the wall lets all visitors see the temple. Bhubaneswar has its own airport (about 4 km) and railway station, and the temple is in the old town, easily reached by auto-rickshaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Lingaraja worshipped as Harihara?
The Lingaraja lingam is honoured as Harihara, the combined form of Shiva (Hara) and Vishnu (Hari). It is offered both bilva leaves sacred to Shiva and tulsi sacred to Vishnu, uniting the two traditions in one deity.
How old is the Lingaraja Temple?
The temple was built largely in the 11th century under the Somavamshi and Eastern Ganga rulers, and has been continuously worshipped for nearly a thousand years.
What makes Lingaraja important in architecture?
It is regarded as the finest expression of the Kalinga style, with a rekha deula tower about 55 metres tall and a sequence of richly carved halls — jagamohana, nata mandira and bhoga mandapa.
What is the Bindusagar tank?
Bindusagar is the sacred tank beside the temple, believed to hold waters from every holy river of India. Pilgrims bathe in it before taking darshan of the Lingaraja.
Can non-Hindus enter the Lingaraja Temple?
Entry to the inner enclosure is traditionally restricted to Hindus, but a viewing platform outside the boundary wall allows all visitors to see the temple.
How do I reach the Lingaraja Temple?
The temple is in the old town of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The city has its own airport (about 4 km) and railway station, and the temple is easily reached by auto-rickshaw.
॥ हर हर महादेव ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Temple Name | Lingaraja Temple |
| Primary Deity | Shiva as Harihara (Lingaraja) |
| Location | Bhubaneswar |
| State | Odisha, India |
| Significance | Greatest Kalinga temple |
| Architecture | Kalinga (rekha deula) |
| Tower Height | ~55 m |
| Built | 11th century |
| Key Festival | Maha Shivaratri |
| Sacred Tank | Bindusagar |
| Nearest Airport | Bhubaneswar (~4 km) |
| Entry | Free (inner enclosure: Hindus) |