Lingaraja Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in the capital of Odisha, i.e., Bhubaneswar. It is the most eye-catching, outstanding, and famous landmark of Bhubaneswar.
Lingaraja temple is famous among tourists and devotees. The main pillar of this LingarajA temple is approximately 55m (180ft) in height.
This Lingaraj temple is the architectural work of the Kalinga dynasty, and it belongs to the medieval age. It is believed that the rulers of the Ganga Dynasty and Somavasi dynasty built this temple.
Know the 7 Interesting Facts About Lingaraja Temple Bhubaneswar:
The inspiration for the architecture of Lingaraj temple is the Deula style. Check out the interesting facts about Lingaraja temple right below:
The word Lingaraja
The word Lingaraja refers to “The king of Lingam”. And Lord Shiva is known as The King of Lingam. Originally Shiva was worshipped as Kirtivasa, after that as Harihara is often known as Bhubaneswar or Tribhuvaneshwara. He is known as the Master of the netherworld, heaven, earth, and the three worlds. Bubnesahwari was his consort.
Believes related to its origin
According to a Sanskrit treatise belonging to the 13th century, the deity of Lingaraja was under a mango tree (Ekamra). Hence, Bhubaneswar is also famous as the Ekamra Kshetra, as noted in Ekamra Purana, a 13th-century Sanskrit treatise. In the era of the 6th century, the Lingaraja temple was built. Some believed that the temple’s making was initiated by Lalat Indu Keshari (615-657 ce) and others, and others thought it was made by Yayati I Somavanshi King.
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Entrances of Lingaraja temple
It is the largest Hindu temple of Bhubaneshwar, whose most eye-catching part is its architecture. The main entrance of Lingaraja temple is built facing East using Sandstone and laterite, and other such elements. Along with the main entrance, located in the East, there are two smaller entrances in the South and North.
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Sculptures and other textures
There are decorative sculptures of beasts and men and animals on the exterior walls of the hall. The hall roof is pyramidally made of horizontal layers arranged in two sets with the intervening platform. On its top, it has a kalesa and an inverted bell.
The holy water of the temple
Hindus believe that an underground river fills the Bindusara tank, and the water is blessed by Lord Lingaraja himself. After that, the holy water is distributed among saints, devotees, and monks busting the temple. The holy water is believed to be capable of healing all physical and spiritual illnesses. On the occasion of Mahashivratri, celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva’s marriage (Lingaraja), the holy water is distributed among all.
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Importance of Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is one of the most crucial festivals for the devotees of Lord Shiva (Lingaraja). As this temple is dedicated to the Lord Lingaraja, it is easy to conclude that Mahashivratri is the main festival of the Lingraja temple. In the month of Phalguna, Mahashivratri is celebrated every year in the Lingaraja temple.
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Method of worshipping
And at that time, thousands of devotees visit the temple, and most of the devotees show their devotion by fasting the whole day. The sculptures are worshipped with flowers and leaves and bathed in milk. Lingraja is worshipped as both of God, meaning lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Hence it can be called the harmony between Vaishnavism, Hinduism, and Shaivism.
Conclusion:
If you are a devotee of Lord Shiva or a religious person or an admirer of ancient art or a lover of tourism, you must visit Lingaraja temple. And suppose you are planning to visit the Lingaraja temple, you can feel free to worship Lord Lingajaraja by planning a trip to this temple with Tusk Travel. We are here to fulfill your dreams of visiting the Lingaraja temple.
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