Lingaraja Temple

About the Lingaraja Temple
The 11th century Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar represents the traditional Orissan type of temple in its full maturity. The 147 ft high temple dominated the city landscape. Legend has it that Shiva once told Parvati that he likes Bhubaneshwar more than Benaras. Puzzled Parvati went to inspect the city, as a cowherdess. There two demons (Kritti and Vasa) proposed her for marriage. She put up a condition before them to carry her upon their shoulders, to which they agreed. Parvati sat on their shoulders and crushed them under her weight. Seeing this, Shiva created a lake (Bindu Saras) for her wife and took abode there as Lingaraja.

The History
The temple was constructed by Yayati Kesari in the 7th century. The temple was completed by his grandson in 11th century. By the time, the Lingaraja temple was built, the Jagannath cult had become widespread and it got visible in the temple as the presiding deity, here, is the Svayambhu Linga - half Shiva, half Vishnu. There are 150 shrines in the compound.

The Architecture
The temple compound has three compartments, one each for Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Karthikeya. The main temple of Lingaraja has beautiful pillars carvings. The temple complex is a combination of four structures on an east-west axial alignment namely the Bhogamandapa (the dining hall), the Natamandapa (the dancing hall), the Jagamohana (the audience hall) and the Deula (the hall enshrining Shiva). Of these, the Natamandapa and Bhojamandapa were constructed in around 14th century. The outer walls of the temple have unparalleled carvings. The beautifully sculpted images of various God and Goddess are marvellous. The sanctum in temple, the Shivalingam, rises to a height of 8 inches above the floor level, and is 8 feet in diameter. It is made of granite and is bathed daily with water, milk and bhang (Marijuana).

Tourist Information
Visiting Hours: The temple gets open at 6:30 am and is open till 10 pm.
Entry Fee: Nil.
When to visit: Best time to visit Bhubaneswar is October to April.

Other Attractions near the Jagannath Puri Temple
One can visit the Udaygiri and Khandgiri caves, the twin rock-cut caves situated 8 kms from Bhubaneswer. These 2300 years old caves were built for the Jain monks. Other major temples in Bhubaneshwar are the RajaRani, Mukteswara and Parasurameswara temple.

In the city is the handicrafts museum, which hosts a large collection of Orissan handicrafts works like stone sculpture, patta paintings, brass castings, horn toys and silver filigree.

Getting There
Air: Bhubaneswar Airport is 3 km from the city centre and almost all the major cities are connected from here.
Rail: The station is in the heart of the city. The Indian railway provides train services from every corner of the nation.
Road: Bhubaneshwar is well connected by motorable roads through out the year. The national highway no. 5 touches this capital city.

Accommodation
One can pick from a range of luxury and budget hotels in Bhubaneswar. Besides, star categorised hotels around Bhubaneswar offers excellent view of the landmarks through their suites. Government owned hotels, yatri-nivas, guest houses, lodges give the visitor a lot of options to choose his place of stay.