Why to visit Lingaraj Temple
It is a wonderful Shiva-dedicated structure. It was commenced in the tenth century by King Jajati Keshari and finished in the 11th century by King Lalatendu Keshari. The primary spire rises to a height of 54 metres. A columned hall, a dancing hall (NatyaMandap), and a hall for distributing offerings are also available (BhogaMandap). There are over 50 minor shrines on the walled site, including one devoted to Goddess Parvati. It is Bhubaneswar's largest temple.
It is respected because the Linga here, which is Lord Shiva's phallic form, is said to have appeared organically. The Mahashivratri ceremonies at the Lingaraj Temple are particularly well-known, with the entire sanctum decked out in blossoms, candles, and lights. On a regular basis, the temple receives up to 6,000 visitors, with Shivratri being the busiest day of the year, with up to 200,000 visitors.
Festivals :-
Shivaratri, held in February/March, is a holiday in which a lady fasts and prays for her husband's longer lifespan, and Rukuna Ratha Yatra, performed on Ashokastami (about April), is a celebration in which Lord Lingaraja's envoy, Lord Chandrashekhara, pays a visit to the maternal aunts' home. Rukuna Ratha Yatra translates to "chariot that does not turn around." Both of these events attract large audiences to the shrine.
How to reach ?
From the city of Bhubaneshwar, you may easily access Lingaraj Temple by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or a good network of local buses that drop you off directly at the temple.
