Lingaraj Temple

Lingaraj Temple is the largest and most revered Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Harihara. Located in the Old Town area, it is a prime example of Kalinga architecture built in the 11th century. The temple complex features a 55-metre high vimana, sculpted walls, and a large courtyard with numerous smaller shrines, attracting pilgrims and visitors for its architectural grandeur and religious importance.

Visitors can expect a large walled temple complex in Kalinga style with a towering vimana, jagamohana, natamandira and bhoga-mandapa, all richly carved with sculptures. The main sanctum houses a self-manifested lingam. The complex includes around 50 smaller shrines, the Bindusagar Tank to the north, and an outer viewing platform for non-Hindus. The surroundings are busy with shops selling offerings, priests and pilgrims, especially during festivals.

Lingaraj Temple is dated to the 11th century, primarily attributed to the Somavamsi dynasty with later additions by the Eastern Ganga rulers. Built in the mature Kalinga style of architecture, it represents the culmination of temple building tradition in Bhubaneswar. The temple is built of sandstone and laterite and is noted for its Deula, Jagamohana, Natamandira and Bhoga-mandapa aligned on a single axis.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Lingaraj and is revered as a Harihara shrine where Shiva and Vishnu are worshipped together, reflecting syncretic traditions. It is a major Shaivite pilgrimage centre in Odisha and the central shrine of Bhubaneswar, historically known as Ekamra Kshetra. Daily rituals, Shivaratri celebrations and association with the sacred Bindusagar Tank underscore its religious importance.