Lingaraja Temple

About Lingaraja Temple

The central tower of the temple is 55 meters long. This temple looks at medieval stages of the architectural tradition of Bhubaneswar. The people of this place believe that this temple built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers.

History of Lingaraja Temple

Shiva is called Lingaraja. Shiva was worshiped as a Kirtivasa and later worshiped as Harihara. Usually named Tribhuvaneshwar, that means, heaven, earth and His wife is called Bhubaneshwari.

The temple in its present form is at the end of the last decade of the eleventh century. There is evidence that some part of the temple is described in Sanskrit texts of the seventh century during the sixth century. Ferguson believes that this temple may have started by Lalmath Indu Kesari, who ruled from 665 to 657 CE. During the eleventh century assembly hall (Jagmohan), holy place and temple tower were built, whereas Bhoj (Hova-mandapa) was built during the 12th century. Between 10 9 110 and 1104 CE Salini’s wife constructed a nominal. As long as the Lingaraja temple was completely built, a sect of Jagannath (Vishnu) was growing in this area, which historians believe, the evidence of the co-existence of Vishnu and Shiva worship in the temple is. The king of Ganga was a strong follower of Vaishnavism and built Jagannath temple in Puri in the 12th century.

According to some accounts, the temple is believed that Somavamsi king Yayati 1 (1025-1040) was built during the 11th century. Jajati Kesari shifted her capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar, which is called Brahma Purana, the Ekam region in an ancient scripture. One of the Somavamsi queens donated a village to the temple and the liberals from the Brahmins attached to the temple gave liberal donations. An inscription from the year 1094 (1172 CE) indicates that there are gifts of gold coins in the temple by Rajaraja II. Another inscription from Narasimha from the 11th century indicates that the beetle gives copper to the leaves as Prasad deity. Other stone inscriptions in the temple indicate a royal grant from Chodaganga to the surrounding villages.

Languages in Lingaraja Temple

Odia is the main language and 80% people use Oriya language. After Oriya, people speak Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and Telugu languages. English language is used for tourism.

Interesting things to do Lingaraja Temple

Enjoying this two festival:-

Shivaratri - The festival is celebrated in February month every year when thousands of devotees visit the temple. Apart from a full day of fasting, on this auspicious day, the leaves of the vine are presented for Lingaraj. The main celebrations occur at night when devotees pray overnight. Devotees usually break their fast after Mahadeepa (a huge lamp) is lit on the top of the temple.

Candan Yatra - A 22-day festival is celebrated at the Candan Yatra Temple when the temple’s servants immerse themselves in a specially made boat in the Bindusagar tank. Abhishek is done with sandalwood paste to protect the slaves of the gods and temples from the neck. Dances, communal festivals and fun arrangements are made by people belonging to the temple.

Nearest Visiting places from Lingaraja Temple

• Bindu Sarovara - This large lake near to Lingaraj and Ananta Vasudeva temples keeps a drop (bindu) of every holy river in it.

• Vaital Deul Temple - It is a Hindu temple, Vaitaḷa deuḷa or Baitala deuḷa. Which is made in the 8th century. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Chamunda of the temple style. Local people known as “Tini Mundia Mandira”. This temple is near 0.1 km from Lingaraja Temple.

• Rameshwar Deula - It is also known as Mausi Maa temple of Lord Lingaraj, the Rameshwar temple is just 2 km from Lingaraj Temple. This temple is home of a Shiva Linga within a circular ‘Yonipida’ made of chlorite.

• Ananta Vasudeva Temple - Ananta Vasudeva Temple is a Hindu temple an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple was constructed in the thirteenth century. The Ananta Vasudeva Temple is just 0.3 km from Lingaraj Temple.

• Durga Narayani Temple - The temple is popular for Durga Puja and a fair held in the Indian month of Chaitra. Narayani Temple is dedicated to ten armed goddess Narayani or Lakshmi and is located in Narayani village situated near Khalikote, Orissa, India. The Durga Narayani Temple is just 0.5 km from Lingaraj Temple.

• Nandankanan Zoological Park - Nandankanan Zoological Park Established in 1960 and it was opened to the public in 1979. This is is a 400-hectare zoo and botanical garden. The Nandankanan Zoological Park is just 5.5 km from Lingaraj Temple.

Nearest Petrol Pump near by Lingaraja Temple

Indian Oil
Chandrasekharpur; Near Aditya Care; Bhubaneswar; Odisha 751015; India
1.0 KM distance

Indian Oil Corporation Petrol Bunk
Bidyut Marg North; Nayapalli; Bhubaneswar; Odisha 751012; India
1.1 KM distance

Indian Oil
Near Axis Bank ATM; Madhusudan Nagar; Bhubaneswar; Odisha 751012; India
1.1 KM distance

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation near by Lingaraja Temple

Hotel Excellency
Add: Janpath, Bhubaneswar
Approx. 3.2 km from Lingaraja Temple

Swosti Grand
Add: Janpath, Bhubaneswar
Approx. 3.63 km from Lingaraja Temple

Mango Hotels
Add: Prangan Cuttack-Puri Road, Bhubaneswar
Approx. 4.35 km from Lingaraja Temple

Hotel Pushpak
Add: Janpath, Bhubaneswar
Approx. 2.46 km from Lingaraja Temple

Hotel Grand Central
Add: Old Station Road, Bhubaneswar
Approx. 3.12 km from Lingaraja Temple

Hotel Arvind Inn
Add: Janpath, Bhubaneswar
Approx. 2.06 km from Lingaraja Temple

Things to carry for Lingaraja Temple

• Take warm clothes in cold weather.
• Take Light clothes in summer season.

Help Line/Phone Number in Lingaraja Temple

• Police Stations - 0674-2340475

• Ambulance Service - 102/0674-2402005

• Railway - 131/2532233

• Blood bank - 0674-155333/2391110

• Airport enquiry - 0674 - 2401084/2406472

• All Hotel booking - 9338023435

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Location info

Address - Rath Road, Bhubaneswar

District - Khordha

State - Odisha

Pin Code - 751002

Climate & weather

• Summer - March to May

• Average Minimum Temperature - 36° C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 24° C

• Average Precipitation - 40 mm

• Monsoon - June to October

• Average Minimum Temperature - 32° C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 25° C

• Average Precipitation - 220 mm

• Summer - March to May

• Average Minimum Temperature - 28° C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 17° C

• Average Precipitation - 23 mm

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Odisha. 4G is reliable in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and along the Golden Triangle tourist circuit. Coverage may be weaker in remote tribal areas, interior forests, and certain coastal stretches. Most hotels in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Religious sites in Odisha often have nearby prasad counters and simple eateries. Puri and Bhubaneswar have extensive food options including Odia thali restaurants, temple food stalls, and multi-cuisine dining.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Odisha’s few colonial-era churches in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar are modest but historically interesting. Morning light works best. The Sun Temple at Konark, Jagannath Temple, and Lingaraj Temple are the main architectural photography subjects in the state.

Best time to visit Lingaraja Temple

October to March for pleasant weather. Shiva Ratri (February/March) is the most important festival.

Timings & opening hours

Daily 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Key rituals: Mangala Aarti (6:00 AM), Abhisheka (7:00 AM), and Sakala Dhupa (8:00 AM).

Entry fee & tickets

No entry fee. Special pooja offerings have separate charges.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for the temple visit.

Safety tips

Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas during festivals. Keep valuables secure. Follow temple security protocols for bag screening.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (5–100 km). Nearest Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station. Nearest Bus Stand: Bhubaneswar Bus Stand.

Things to visit & highlights

The main spire (55 m high), the Bindusagar tank (believed to contain holy waters from all Indian rivers), the 50+ smaller shrines within the complex, and the nearby Mukteshvara and Rajarani temples.

Frequently asked questions

What are the temple timings? The temple opens early morning around 5:00 AM and closes after the last aarti around 9:00 PM. Specific darshan hours may vary — check locally.

Is photography allowed inside? Photography is generally prohibited inside the inner sanctum. Outer architecture and temple complex can usually be photographed. Flash photography may be restricted.

What should I wear? Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required. Traditional Indian attire is preferred. Footwear must be removed before entering the temple.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.