Lingaraja

Lingaraja Temple, built in the 11th century is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar. Built by king Jajati Keshari of SomaVansh, the main tower of the temple is 180-ft in height. It is built in red stone & is a classic example of Kalinga style of architecture.

Lingaraja, literally means the king of Lingam, the iconic form of Shiva. Shiva was originally worshipped as Kirtivasa, later as Harihara and is commonly referred to as Tribhuvaneshwara (also Bhubaneswar), the master of 3 worlds - heaven, earth, and netherworld.

His consort is called Bhuvaneshvari.
The lingam in the temple is a natural unshaped stone that rests on a Sakti. Such a lingam is called Krutibasa or Swayambhu and is found in 64 places in different parts of India. The lingam in the sanctum sanctorum,..

worshipped as both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It is said that when construction of Lingaraj Temple was about to be completed, Jagannath culture started growing in Odisha. Hence, the presiding deity here is known as Hari-Hara; Hari denotes Lord Vishnu and Hara meaning Lord Shiva.

Located to the north of the temple is Bindusagar Lake about 1300 ft long and 700 ft wide, this lake turns into a visual delight when thousands of people set sail tiny boats on the occasion of Boita Bandana that commemorates Odisha’s rich maritime history.

On the western banks of the lake, lies the beautiful garden of Ekamravan (literally meaning one-mango-tree forest). Ekamravan finds mention in ancient Hindu texts as an entire forest that comprised a single mango tree. .

It was a key element in the abode of Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Goddess Parvati. A variety of plants traditionally associated with Hindu gods and goddess and having spiritual and medicinal significance can be found in Ekamravan.
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