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Lokanath Temple, Puri
Shiva (Lokanath) · Submerged Lingam · Puri
॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
In the temple city of Puri, the Lokanath shrine holds an unusual secret: its Shiva lingam lies under water for most of the year, worshipped through the pool above it. Tradition links the lingam to Rama, and the sacred water is drained only once a year for direct darshan. As one of the guardian Shiva shrines of Puri, Lokanath watches over the city of Jagannath.
The submerged lingam
The defining feature of Lokanath is that the lingam remains submerged beneath water through most of the year. Devotees offer worship over the water that covers the deity, rather than to an exposed stone, which sets this shrine apart from ordinary Shiva temples.
For the rest of the year the pool is left undisturbed, and the deity is approached through the water that conceals it.
Tradition of Rama and the guardian shrines
Local tradition holds that Rama himself installed the Lokanath lingam, tying the shrine to the wider sacred geography of Puri. Lokanath is counted among the guardian Shiva temples that ring the city of Jagannath, giving it an honoured place in the pilgrimage circuit of Puri.
Bakula Amavasya darshan
Once a year, on Bakula Amavasya in the month of Pausha, the water is drained so that the lingam can be seen and worshipped directly. This single day of open darshan draws large crowds, as devotees await the rare chance to view the deity uncovered.
How to reach Lokanath Temple, Puri
- By road: The shrine lies within Puri town, a short distance from the Jagannath Temple, and is easily reached on foot or by cycle-rickshaw and auto from the main temple area.
- By train: Puri railway station is well connected and is the nearest railhead; local transport covers the short distance to the temple.
- By air: The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (Biju Patnaik International), from where road transport reaches Puri.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Lokanath lingam kept under water?
By long-standing tradition the Lokanath lingam stays submerged beneath water for most of the year, and devotees worship it through the water above.
When can the lingam be seen directly?
The water is drained once a year on Bakula Amavasya, in the month of Pausha, allowing direct darshan of the lingam.
Who is said to have installed the lingam?
Tradition holds that Lord Rama installed the Lokanath lingam.
How is Lokanath connected to the Jagannath Temple?
Lokanath is one of the guardian Shiva shrines of Puri, the city of Jagannath, and forms part of its sacred geography.
Where is the Lokanath Temple located?
It is in Puri, Odisha, a short distance from the main Jagannath Temple.
Is the temple open through the year?
Yes, worship continues year-round over the submerged lingam; only the direct viewing of the uncovered lingam is limited to Bakula Amavasya.
॥ हर हर महादेव ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Primary Deity | Shiva (Lokanath) |
| Location | Puri |
| State | Odisha |
| Special Feature | Submerged lingam |
| Annual Darshan | Bakula Amavasya (Pausha) |
| Tradition | Installed by Rama |