- Lingaraj Temple
creator = Jajati Keshari
proper_name = Lingaraj Temple
date_built = 11th century C.E.
primary_deity =Shiva
architecture =
location =Bhubaneshwar ,Orissa Lingaraj Temple is a temple of the
Hindu godShiva and is one of the oldest temples of the Temple CityBhubaneswar , a revered pilgrimage center and the capital of the state ofOrissa .History
Lingaraj means 'the king of Lingas', 'Linga' or '
Lingam ' being the symbol of Lord Shiva worship.The temple is more than 1000 years old, dating back in its present form to the last decade of the eleventh century, though there is evidence that parts of the temple have been there since sixth century AD as the temple has been emphasized in some of the seventh century Sanskrit texts. This is testimony to its sanctity and importance as a Shiva shrine. [cite web
url=http://orissagov.nic.in/tourism/bhub2.htm
title=Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple
publisher=
accessdate=2006-09-12 ] By the time the Lingaraj temple was constructed, theJagannath (form of Vishnu) cult had been growing, which historians believe is evidenced by the co-existence ofVishnu and Shiva worship at the temple.The temple is traditionally believed, though without historical authentication, to be built by the Somavanshi king
Jajati Keshari , in 11th century AD. Jajati Keshari had shifted his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar which was referred to as "Ekamra Kshetra" in theBrahma Purana , an ancient scripture.The Lingaraj temple stands majestically as the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. At 55 metres high, it dominates the landscape with 150 smaller shrines in its spacious courtyard and is surrounded by massive walls lavishly decorated with beautiful sculptures.
Temple complex
This temple has actually four parts:- the main temple, the "Yajna Shala", the "Bhoga Mandap" and finally the "Natya Shala". This temple has images of both Shiva and Vishnu. Vishnu is actually present as
Shaligram idol. The Shiva idol are surrounding the Vishnu (Shaligram) idol. Even the temple on the top has got notrishula (trident - the weapon of Shiva) and evenChakra (discus - weapon of Lord Vishnu). It has only LordRama 's arrow symbol, probably because Lord Rama was a worshipper of Lord Shiva.The temple's main gates have images of Lord Shiva, Trishula on one side and Lord Vishnu, Chakra on the other side.
culpture and Temple Traditions
This magnificent temple, dedicated to Shiva, represents the quintessence of the
Kalinga type ofHindu architecture. Along with the Raja-Rani Temple, it is the pinnacle of the architectural exhibition at Bhubaneswar. [cite web
url=http://www.travelmasti.com/domestic/orissa/temple.htm
title=Orissa temples
publisher=
accessdate=2006-09-12 ] It contains a profusion of sculptural work. It is built of red sandstone which gives it a darkest color. The massive granite block in the sanctum, theSwayambhu , is worshipped both as Shiva and Vishnu. The harmony of the two sects is seen in this temple where the deity is worshipped as Hari-Hara, a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva. [cite web
url=http://orissagov.nic.in/tourism/bhub2.htm
title=Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple
publisher=
accessdate=2006-09-12 ] The presiding deity, is the Swayambhu Linga. The granite block image of the Linga is said to be bathed daily with water, milk and bhang (marijuana). Almost all the Hindu Gods and Goddesses are represented here, reflecting the innate element of harmony within the religion. [cite web
url=http://www.orissa.net/links/Temples.asp
title=Orissa.net - Temples
publisher=
accessdate=2006-09-12 ]References
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