Lingaraj Temple
Lingraj Temple is situated in Bhubaneshwar which is the capital of the East Indian state of Odisha. It is the biggest temple of Bhubaneshwar. This temple has gained special importance due to many reasons. It is one of the oldest temples of the city. It has found its solid structure in 10th or 11th century. This temple is devoted to combined form of Shiva and Vishnu i.e. Harihara. It is the important landmark of the city. Its architectural texture is excellent. It is one of best Hindu temples of India. The height of this temple is 55 metre. Excellent carving is performed in whole of the temple. It follows some rigid traditions and the entry of non-hindus is not allowed. Visitors and devotees visit this temple in whole of the year. It comprises more than 64 smaller temples.
Getting There
The journey of Lingraj Temple can be carried out by mean of three modes: Road, Rail and Air. State and national highway comprises so many private and public bus services. The distance between city centre and OSRTC (Odisha State Road Transport Corporation) is 8 km. The journey of this temple is carried out by passenger train on regular basis. The visit of this temple is carried out by air by mean of Bjiu Patnaik Airport.
Security And Tips
The temple is protected by security personals and there is a security guard appointed by temple administration. Intricate security arrangement is made by the police according to which 16 CCTV cameras are installed to have a watch on each and every activity of devotees. People should put up their luggage and expensive materials at safe and secure place.
When To Visit
The best time to visit this temple is in between January and March. This temple is opened for all the days of the week. The timings are from 5 AM to 9 PM. The duration of visiting this temple is 1 to 2 hours. People from far off places flocked towards this temple to have a holy visit.
What To See And Do
The entry gate of the temple’s porch is made up of sandalwood. There are four main parts of the temple. These parts are:
- The Vimana: portion containing the shrine.
- The Bhoga-mandapa: hall of offeringlike cooked rice, curries and sweet-meats.
- The Natamandira: Festival hall.
- The Jagamohan: Assembly hall.
The main idol of this temple is of Swayambhu Lingam which is made up of granite. This lingham has given the bath with water, milk and bhang (marijuana). It is adorned with flowers, sandal paste and cloth. On the day of Pana Sankranti aficionados use to offer the beverage of bhang to the Lingaraja. Tulsi leaves along with Bela leaves are used to worship the Swayambhu Lingam. Underground river water is initiated from this temple is mixed up into the Lake of Bindu Sagar and is considered as to be a holy water and help the devotee to root out physical and divine illness. The temple premises comprise more than 64 smaller sanctums. They are adorned with idols of gods and goddesses, kings and queens, dancing girls, hunters, and musicians.
Where To Stay
The accommodations for middle class people are available near railway stations. There are so many lodges and dharamshalas available at Bhubaneshwar which proves to be economical.
Where Else To Stay
There are so many hotels near this temple which provide luxury to devotees and are meant for high class people. These hotels are: Royale Midtown, Hotel City Palace, Hotel Kalinga Ashok, Hotel Pelican, and Hotel Grand Central etc.
Festivals
There are so many festivals which are celebrated here with great zeal of entertainment and delight. These festivals are: Shivratri, Rath Yatra and Chandan Yatra. These festivals are the nice way to serve the god with true spirit and devotion.
Side Trips
There are so many places near this temple to have an enthusiastic visit. These places are: Laxmi narayan mandir, Kali mandir, Laxmi sagar mandir, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Park, Sikhar chandi temple, State handicraft museum, Biju Patnaik Park, Orissa State Museum, Pandava Caves, Bijamp Mandir etc.
Travel Tips
Visitors should have a video camera to snare all the moment of the visit. They should also have a first aid. They should have their personal diary to keep the record of the whole visit along with their state of mind. They should also hire a travel guide to have a complete knowledge of the temple.
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