About Lingaraja Temple
Lingaraja Temple is the largest and most important temple in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, often called the 'Temple City'. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Lingaraja, the King of Lingas, and the deity is worshipped as Harihara, a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu. This blend reflects the harmony of the Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions in Odisha. The temple is a living centre of worship and a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture.
The present temple is generally dated to the eleventh century and is linked with the Somavamsi kings, with later additions by the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Bhubaneswar was known in old texts as Ekamra Kshetra, a sacred land of Shiva. According to tradition, Goddess Parvati slew two demons here, and Shiva created the nearby Bindu Sagar lake by gathering water from holy rivers. The temple is closely tied to the Puri Jagannath tradition.
The temple's main tower (deula) rises about 55 metres and is covered with fine carvings. It follows the classic Kalinga plan of four halls in a line: the deula, jagamohana (assembly hall), nata mandira (dance hall) and bhoga mandapa (offering hall). The large walled compound contains well over a hundred smaller shrines.
Lingaraja Temple timings & aarti
Usually open about 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, with a break in the afternoon for bhog (roughly 12:30–3:30 PM). Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | Early morning, at opening |
| Bhog offering | Around midday |
| Sandhya Aarti | Evening |
| Badasinghara (night rituals) | Night, before closing |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Lingaraja Temple
By air
Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar – about 4 km.
By train
Bhubaneswar railway station – about 5 km.
By road
Well connected by city buses, autos and taxis; the temple is in the Old Town area near Bindu Sagar.
Festivals at Lingaraja Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Rukuna Rath Yatra (Ashokashtami)Mar/Apr
- Chandan YatraApr/May
- Sital SasthiMay/Jun
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Non-Hindu visitors can view the temple from a viewing platform outside the compound wall. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside.
- Deposit phones and cameras before entering; they are not allowed inside.
- Non-Hindu travellers can see the architecture from the platform outside the north wall.
- Agree on any priest services and offerings clearly before accepting help.
- Visit early morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Explore the other Old Town temples on foot.
Places to visit near Lingaraja Temple
- Bindu SagarSacred lake next to the temple
- Mukteswara TempleBeautifully carved 10th-century temple, about 2 km
- Rajarani TempleElegant temple known for its sculptures, about 2.5 km
- Udayagiri and Khandagiri CavesAncient rock-cut caves, about 8 km
- Jagannath Temple, PuriOne of the Char Dham, about 60 km
Frequently asked questions
What are the Lingaraja temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with an afternoon break for bhog.
Can non-Hindus enter Lingaraja Temple?
No. Only Hindus may enter, but non-Hindus can view the temple from a platform outside the wall.
Why is Lingaraja worshipped as Harihara?
The deity is seen as a combined form of Shiva (Hara) and Vishnu (Hari), reflecting the unity of the two traditions.
How tall is the Lingaraja Temple?
The main tower rises about 55 metres.
How far is Lingaraja Temple from Bhubaneswar airport?
About 4 km.
What is the aarti time at Lingaraja Temple?
Mangala Aarti: Early morning, at opening; Bhog offering: Around midday; Sandhya Aarti: Evening; Badasinghara (night rituals): Night, before closing. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Lingaraja Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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