Lingaraj Temple

Lingaraj Temple is the largest and most important temple in Bhubaneswar, the "city of temples" and the old Ekamra Kshetra. It is dedicated to Tribhuvaneswara, the lord of the three worlds, who is worshipped here as Harihara, a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu.

The sanctum holds a large, naturally formed lingam, which is bathed daily with water, milk and honey, and the joint worship of Shiva and Vishnu reflects a long blending of the Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions in Odisha.

Built by King Jajati Keshari of the Somavamsi dynasty. The 55-metre deul is the tallest in the temple city.

The temple, dating mostly from the 11th century, is the classic example of Kalinga architecture, with a curved tower (the deul) about 55 metres tall, built of laterite and sandstone, without mortar. The compound has four main halls in a line: the sanctum, the assembly hall (jagamohana), the dance hall (natamandapa) and the hall of offerings (bhoga mandapa).

The compound is enclosed by a high wall and holds more than a hundred smaller shrines. Next to it is the Bindu Sagar, a large sacred tank said to hold water from all the holy rivers of India.

Daily worship goes through a set sequence of services, with the lingam bathed and decorated, and food offered, in a pattern similar to that at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Non-Hindus may not enter, but a viewing platform outside the wall allows others to see the tower.

On Maha Shivaratri, a huge lamp is lit at the top of the tower, and thousands fast through the night. The Chandan Yatra, in summer, and the Rukuna Rath Yatra in spring, which takes the deity out in a chariot, are among the principal festivals.

• Shivaratri
• Chandan Yatra

Non-Hindus can see the temple from the raised viewing platform near the compound's wall. Dress modestly, and note that mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the crowds are smaller.

Within a short distance are the Mukteshwar and Rajarani temples, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, and the Odisha State Museum. Puri and Konark are within a day's drive.

Bhubaneswar is well connected by air and rail. The temple is 5 km from the station.

• Jagannath TempleOdisha · about 48 km in a straight line
• Konark Sun TempleOdisha · about 48 km in a straight line

• Parasnath Hill TemplesJharkhand
• Baidyanath DhamJharkhand
• Kashi Vishwanath TempleUttar Pradesh
• Thousand Pillar TempleTelangana
• Kandariya Mahadeva TempleMadhya Pradesh
• Vishvanatha TempleMadhya Pradesh

Where is Lingaraj Temple located?

Lingaraj Temple is located at Old Town, Bhubaneswar 751002, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

Who is the presiding deity at Lingaraj Temple?

The presiding deity at Lingaraj Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.

What are the timings of Lingaraj Temple?

Lingaraj Temple is generally open 05:00–21:00. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.

When was Lingaraj Temple built?

Lingaraj Temple was established 11th century CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.

What is the architectural style of Lingaraj Temple?

Lingaraj Temple is built in the Kalinga style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.

Which festivals are celebrated at Lingaraj Temple?

The principal festivals celebrated at Lingaraj Temple include Shivaratri, Chandan Yatra. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Odisha and beyond.

How can I reach Lingaraj Temple?

Bhubaneswar is well connected by air and rail. The temple is 5 km from the station.

Why is Lingaraj Temple significant?

Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is the city's largest shrine and finest example of Kalinga architecture, its lingam worshipped as Shiva and Vishnu.

What is the best time to visit Lingaraj Temple?

October to March for weather; Maha Shivaratri (February to March) is extremely crowded.