Temples of India: Lingaraja Temple, Odisha
One of India's most
famous temples, the Lingaraja Temple is situated in Bhubaneswar, the state
capital of Odisha.
This temple is dedicated
to Lord Shiva, it was built in the Kalinga style of architecture
The temple complex is
more than 250,000 square feet and consists of several buildings with elaborate
carvings and patterns.
The Lingaraja Temple is
one of Bhubaneswar's oldest and most important temples. The name
"Lingaraja" derives from "Tribhubaneswara" or
"Bhubaneswar," meaning "Lord of the Earth," another name
for Lord Shiva.
This temple was built
during the 11th century
This temple was mentioned
in several texts like Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, and Kapila Samhita.
The temple is believed to
be built over a natural spring with healing properties, attracting many for its
therapeutic benefits.
The temple is a major
site for Hindu pilgrims, especially during festivals like Mahashivaratri,
celebrated with great enthusiasm.
It is considered a place
where one can achieve spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of
birth and death.
The temple is home to 129
different deities and hosts several impressive shrines, including those
dedicated to Parvati and Lingaraja.
Devotees perform various
pujas and rituals, such as Rudrabhishekam, Ganeshpuja, and Chandipath, and
offer flowers, fruits, and sweets. Elaborate rites like Maha Chandi Yagya and
Maha Rudrabhishekam are also conducted by the temple priests.
The temple also sees
numerous festivals celebrated with fervor, including Pana Sankranti, Rath
Yatra, and Makar Sankranti.
Rath Yatra, Chandan Yatra, Mahashivaratri, Pana
Sankranti, Dola Purnima, and the Parsurameswara Temple Car Festival. During
these festivals, the Lingaraja Temple becomes a center of religious and
cultural activity, drawing both devotees and tourists.
The temple complex includes four main structures:
Vimana: The main temple tower stands 180 feet tall with a beehive-shaped top called the "Amalaka," adorned with a lion's head and a lotus at the bottom.
Jagamohana: The assembly
hall is a rectangular building with a pyramidal roof supported by four pillars,
featuring detailed carvings of gods and mythical creatures on its walls.
Natamandira: The dance
hall has a flat roof with carved stone pillars depicting various dance
positions.
Bhoga-Mandapa: The hall
for food offerings has a pyramidal roof with a lotus decoration on top.
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