The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The central tower of the temple is 180 ft (55 m) tall. The temple represents the quintessence of the Kalinga Architecture and culminated the medieval stages of architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar.
The temple is believed to be built by the kings of the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions by the Ganga dynasty (11th to 15th Century).
The temple complex has 50 other shrines and is enclosed by a large compound wall of laterite measuring 520 ft (160 m) by 465 ft (142 m). The wall is 7.5 ft (2.3 m) thick.
Bhubaneswar is called the Ekamra Kshetra as the deity of Lingaraj was originally under a mango tree (Ekamra) as noted in Ekamra Purana, a 13th-century Sanskrit treatise.
The temple has images of Vishnu, possibly because of the rising prominence of the Jagannath sect emanating from the Ganga rulers who built the Jagannath Temple in Puri in the 12th century.
The temple in its present form dates back to the last decade of the 11th century. There is evidence that part of the temple was built during the 6th century CE as mentioned in some of the 7th century Sanskrit texts.
Each inch of the 55 m (180 ft) tall tower is sculpted. The door in the gate of the entrance porch is made of sandalwood.
The Lingaraja temple faces east and is built of sandstone and laterite. The main entrance is located in the east, while there are small entrances in the north and south.
In the Garbh Griha (sanctum sanctorum), the lingam of Lord Shiva is regarded as 'Swayambhu' (self-originated) and it is worshipped as both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. At the main entrance, one can see a trident (Lord Shiva) and Chakra (Lord Vishnu) on either side of the door. The concord of the two sects can be seen here, where the deity is worshipped as Hari-Hara.
This massive 'Linga' appears to be of granite stone. The 'Lingam' is bathed with water, milk and bhang every day.
Besides the Lingam, the parsva devta adores the site, where Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikaya and Goddess Parvati are placed in different directions. All the sculptures are huge and present an excellent workmanship of the artists. The sculptures are festooned with rich draperies and ornaments.
The Lingam is about 8 Inch tall and about 8 feet in diameter.
Legend has it that Shiva revealed to Parvati that Bhubaneshwar - or Ekamra thirtha was a resort favored by him over Varanasi. Parvati in the guise of a cowherd woman, decided to look at the city herself.
Two demons Kritti and Vasa desired to marry her. She requested them to carry her upon their shoulders, and crushed them under her weight. Shiva, then created the Bindu Saras lake to quench her thirst, and took abode here as Krittivasas or Lingaraja.
The temple address: Lingaraja temple, Lingaraja temple road, Opposite Old Town Police Station, Lingaraja Nagar, Bhubaneswar 751001. Orissa.
