Popular Temple
Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
One of the oldest and grandest temples in the 'Temple City' of Bhubaneswar, a high point of Kalinga architecture
At a glance
- Location
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Presiding deity
- Lord Harihara (a combined Shiva-Vishnu form, worshipped as Tribhubaneswar)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Shaiva
- Nearest railway station
- Bhubaneswar railway station (~4 km); Lingaraj Temple Road station (smaller, closer)
- Nearest airport
- Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (~8 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to February; the Shivaratri fair here is celebrated with particular grandeur.
History
The present Lingaraj Temple structure was built around the 11th century by rulers of the Somavamshi and later Ganga dynasties, though worship at the site is believed to be far older. Shiva and Vishnu are worshipped jointly here as "Harihara," connected to Bhubaneswar's ancient name, "Ekamra Kshetra." The temple's tower rises roughly 55 metres.
Spiritual significance
Bhubaneswar was once known as the "Temple City," believed to have housed thousands of shrines; Lingaraj remains the grandest and most active living example of that legacy today.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (entry to the inner sanctum is restricted to Hindus; a viewing platform is available for others).
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Bhubaneswar railway station is connected to Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and several other cities; autos and taxis are readily available from the station to the temple.
Continue your Shiva bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.