Architecture

The remarkable structure of the temple gives the tint of Kalinga style of architecture. The
aesthetic sculptures look at their apex in this architectural exhibition. Erected in red
sandstone, Lingraj Temple has the stone of the darkest shade. The huge temple complex
covers the vast lands of Bhubaneshwar in a stretch. The tall spire of the temple extends to
the height of 55 meters and literally, dominates the skyline of Bhubaneshwar. The
spacious courtyard comprises 50 small shrines that are dedicated to several Gods of the
Hindu pantheon.
All the shrines are safe under the kind fortification made by the massive walls that are
carved beautifully with sculptures. One can enter the temple complex through 'Simha
Dwara' (the Lion's Gate), where lions flank both the sides, crushing elephants under their
feet.
An optical effect is produced with the deep cut warped lines that run perpendicularly on
the spire. Due to this, the temple looks much larger than what actually it is. Moreover, the
spire of the temple has diminutive replicas of itself in the steeples that are incorporated
perfectly in the entire structure of the temple
Main Shrine

Actually, the temple is divided into four parts, the Garbh Griha, the Yajna Shala, the Bhoga
Mandap and the Natya Shala respectively. 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.
On the main entrance, one can see a trident (Lord Shiva) and Chakra (Lord Vishnu) on the
either side of the door. The concord of the two sects can be seen here, where the deity is
worshipped as Hari-Hara. The term 'Hari' refers to Lord Vishnu and 'Hara' refers to Lord
Shiva.
This massive image of 'Linga' appears to be of granite stone. The 'Lingam' is bathed with
water, milk and bhang every day.
Apart from Garbh Griha, the 'Nata Mandir' provides a hint for its close alliance with the
devadasi tradition. Besides the Lingam, the parsva devta adores the site, where Lord
Ganesha, Lord Kartikay and Goddess Parvati are placed in different directions
Somavamshi dynasty
The temple is believed to be built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later
additions from the Ganga rulers.

The Somavamshi (English: Lunar dynasty) or Keshari (\dynasty ruled parts of present-
day Odisha in eastern India between the 9th and the 12th centuries. Their capitals
included Yayatinagara (modern Binka) and Abhinava-Yayatinagara (modern Jajpur).

The Somavamshis may have been related to the Panduvamshis, who ruled the
Dakshina Kosala region in central India. They were probably driven out from this
region by the Kalachuris, following which they conquered the Kalinga and the Utkala
regions in present-day Odisha, supplanting the Bhauma-Karas.

The Somavamshis introduced a new style of art and architecture in Odisha, and their
rule saw a remarkable shift from Buddhism to Brahmanism in the region. The
Somavamshi rule ended in the early 12th century, when the Eastern Ganga ruler
Anantavarman Chodaganga captured their territories.
 Lingaraj Temple History
• Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva and daily hundreds of devotees visit the temple. Lingaraja means the
king of Lingam.
• At first, the devotees worshipped the Lingam as Kirtivasa, Harihara and finally referred
Tribhuvaneshwara, means the master of heaven, earth and netherworld. Here Goddess
Parvathi receiving the rituals as Bhuvaneshvari.
According to some Sanskrit texts, the temple was constructed by Lalat Indu Keshari who ruled
the region during 615 to 657 CE.
• The present form was constructed in eleventh century CE. During that time the temple’s
sanctum, temple tower and assembly hall for the devotees were constructed. The king Salini’s
consort built the ‘natamandira’ between 1099 and 1104 CE. In the natamandira the dancers
perform the classical dances with the themes of epics. In the beginning, the temple was the
place for worshipping Lord Vishnu and Shiva.
• However, the kings of Ganga Dynasty were the followers of Vaishnavism, so they built the Puri
Jagannath Temple in Puri. According to Brahma Purana the Somavanshi King Yayati I built the
temple during his period 1025 to 1040 CE. Later the king Jajati Keshari shifted his kingdom to
Bhubaneswar from Jaipur.
• Later, many kings donated jewels, gold coins, land and villages to the temple for the purpose
of developing the temple.
• Some of the present historians believe that the temple was constructed by Ananta Kesari and
Udyota Kesari the sons of Yayati II. What may be the story of the construction, the temple
became the place for pilgrimage from all over India.
Legend Behind Lingaraj Temple

According to the Hindu legend, there is an underground river flowing under the
Lingaraj temple and forming a tank outside the temple which is called Bindusagar Tank.
The devotees believe that the water has the unique quality of curing the physical and
spiritual illness. The pilgrims made the bath in the sacred water and go to pay worship
to Lingaraja. The temple also a symbol of the religious harmony. Because during the
Bhakti Movement there were some differences raised between the Vaishnavas and
Shaivas. Some believe that the temple constructed to reduce the differences between
the two sects.