Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Lingaraja temple situated in Bhubaneswar is the biggest and historic amongst all of the temples here. The design and inner view of these temples is much more attractive. Followers of Hinduism have nice reverence for this temple, which is why millions of individuals come to visit and visit the Lingaraj temple every year.The particular thing about the Lingaraja temple is that solely the followers of Hinduism are allowed to enter the temple right here. The glory of this temple could be gauged from the fact that 6 thousand people come to the temple every day to see Lingaraja.
The Lingaraja temple is especially dedicated to Lord Shiva, pictures of Lord Vishnu are additionally current here. The main temple is 55 meters long and contains about 50 different temples. Almost each Lingam temple in India is dedicated only to Lord Shiva.
Architecture Of Lingaraj Temple
The Lingaraja Temple is a magnificent specimen of Orissa fashion with Kalinga style of architecture. The construction of the temple is built of deep shed sandstone. The main entrance of the temple is on the east aspect, while the smaller entrances are on the northern and southern sides.Covering a vast area of 2,50,000 sq. feet, the Lingaraja Temple is built around the vast Bindu Sagar Lake and is surrounded by fort partitions fantastically carved with sculptures. The temple towers however are 45.11 meters away. There are about 150 small temples within the temple complicated.
The temple has 4 distinct elements particularly Vimana. It is a main sanctum sanctorum, Jaganmohan which is a Sabha Bhavan, Nata temple or competition hall and Bhoga - Mandapa or offerings corridor.
The Bhogmandapa has 4 doors on all sides, with the outer walls embellished with various Hindu motifs. The roof of this complex is pyramidal in shape and has an inverted bell and 'kalash' on its prime. Natamandir, on the other hand, has only two doors that decorate the idols of men and women.
It has a flat roof in steps. There are thick archways inside the hall. Jagmohan has entrances from the south and north and has a 30 meter high pyramid roof. It is decorated with honeycomb windows and images of lions sitting on their hind legs.
The main deity of the temple, the Shivalingam located within the inner sanctum, rises 8 inches from the floor and 8 toes in diameter. The tower is carved 180 feet high. According to Hindu beliefs, a river passes by the Lingaraja temple.
The water of this river fills the point of the temple with the ocean tank. It is mentioned that this water cures physical and mental illnesses. People typically drink this water in the type of nectar and devotees also bathe on this tank during festivities.
Festivals in Lingaraj Temple
Many festivals are celebrated in this temple every year that are the center of attraction among the tourists. Chandan Yatra, Rath Yatra and Shivaratri are among the most popular festivals of the Lingaraja Temple, offering a vision of pure devotion.The most famous festival in the Lingaraja temple is Shivaratri, which is well known in the month of Phalgun. Hundreds of devotees fast throughout the day to make choices to Lord Harihar. The main festival takes place during the evening when devotees break their fast after the light of Mahadip.
The Chandan Yatra or Chandan ceremony is one of the main festivals of the Lingaraja Temple. The same is celebrated over a 22-day period when the people serving within the temple displace themselves in a specifically made barge within the Bindu Sagar pond.
Both gods and devotees are sanctified with sandalwood paste to protect them from heat. Dance, communal feast and infusion are arranged by the people related to the temple.
Ashokashtami sees spectacular celebrations of Lingaraja's chariot journey, when the deity sitting on the chariot is taken to the Rameshwar Deula temple. It is believed that the devotees who are unable to visit the Lingaraja temple to see Shiva, go out to give darshan to themselves.
Best time to go to lingaraj temple
Summer in BhubaneswarBhubaneshwar experiences hot and humid weather during the summer season. This place is a good time to visit because the night is cool and nice. In the night, you can go for sightseeing in Old City and Biju Patnaik Park.
Monsoon season in Bhubaneswar
The monsoon in Bhubaneswar starts with the arrival of June and ends with September. The city receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon. Tourists also go to this season as this place is the best time to enjoy the pure places.
Winter season in Bhubaneswar
The winter season adds to the beauty of Bhubaneswar. Temperatures fall to 7 ° C during winter. The weather is nice and perfect for walking. You can go to such attractions as ISKCON Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Bindu Sagar Lake and Chandka Wildlife Sanctuary.
