About Lingaraj Temple
Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, and is considered to be the epitome of Kalinga architecture.
The temple was built by the kings of the Somavamsi and the Ganga dynasties between the 11th and 12th centuries CE. The temple complex covers an area of 25,000 square meters and has more than 150 smaller shrines and monuments within its walls.
The main temple has a 55-meter-high spire that dominates the skyline of Bhubaneswar. The temple also has a huge lingam, which is the symbol of Lord Shiva, that is worshipped as Lingaraj or the king of lingas. The temple is also known as Tribhuvaneswara or the lord of the Three Worlds.
Darshan Timings Lingaraj Temple
The temple is open for darshan from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple premises. Non-Hindus can view the temple from a raised platform outside the boundary wall. The temple also has a dress code for visitors, which requires them to wear decent and modest clothes. The temple does not allow photography or videography inside the temple complex.
The temple has various rituals and ceremonies performed by the priests throughout the day, such as Mangala Arati, Abhishekam, Bhog, Sandhya Arati, etc. You can witness these rituals and offer your prayers to the Lord.
You can also partake in the Mahaprasad, which is the sacred food offered to the Lord and then distributed among the devotees. The Mahaprasad consists of various vegetarian dishes prepared in huge earthen pots using firewood. The Mahaprasad is considered to be very auspicious and delicious.
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Best Time to Visit Lingaraj Temple
The best time to Visit Lingaraj Temple is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C during this time, and the humidity is low. You can enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities without any hassle.
The winter season also coincides with some of the major festivals of Lingaraj Temple, such as Kartik Purnima, Chandan Yatra, and Makar Sankranti. Kartik Purnima is a full moon festival that takes place in the month of Kartik (October-November).
On this day, devotees take a holy dip in the Bindu Sarovara, a lake near the temple, and offer lamps to the Lord. The temple is also illuminated with thousands of lamps and candles. The festival is also known as Deva Deepawali or the festival of lights of the gods.
Chandan Yatra is a sandalwood paste festival that takes place for 21 days from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May). On this festival, the deities are smeared with sandalwood paste and taken out in boats on the Bindu Sarovara. The festival is celebrated with music, dance, and cultural programs.
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival that takes place on January 14th every year. On this day, devotees fly kites and offer sesame seeds and jaggery to the Lord. The festival is also known as Pongal or Uttarayan.
Festivals and Services
Lingaraj Temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year that attract millions of devotees from all over India and abroad. Some of the major festivals are:
- Shivaratri: This is the most important festival of Lingaraj Temple, which takes place in February or March. On this day, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and thousands of devotees offer water, milk, honey, and bael leaves to the lingam. The festival is also marked by a procession of the deities on chariots around the city.
- Ashokastami: This is another important festival of Lingaraj Temple, which takes place in March or April. On this day, the image of Lord Lingaraj is taken out on a chariot to the Rameshwar Temple, where he meets his consort, Parvati. The festival is also known as Rukuna Rath Yatra or the chariot festival.
- Shital Sasthi: This is a marriage festival of Lord Lingaraj and Parvati, which takes place in May or June. On this day, the deities are taken out in a procession and married in a grand ceremony. The festival is also known as the summer festival or the cooling festival.
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The temple also provides accommodation facilities for pilgrims who wish to stay overnight. The temple has various guest houses and lodges that offer comfortable and affordable rooms. The temple also has a library and a museum that displays various books and artifacts related to the temple and its history.
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So what are you waiting for? Visit Lingaraj Temple today and discover its beauty and glory for yourself. You can book your tickets online or contact the temple authorities for more details. You can also check out some reviews from other visitors to get an idea of what to expect.
