Revamp of Lingaraj Temple: Odisha

The Odisha government has decided to give a facelift to the 11^th century Lingaraj Temple, akin to its pre-350-year structural status.

This announcement has come despite the massive financial burden on the State economy in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.

The efforts will be to create a spiritual and ecological ambience in and around the Lingaraj Temple.
The redevelopment plan of the peripheral area of the temple, known as ‘Ekamravan Kshetra’, in Bhubaneswar, has been approved.
Further, the government is planning a barrier-free access between the Temple and Bindusagar lake.
- After the Lingaraj Temple, the Bindusagar (a sprawling pond) is the second major attraction for devotees. The pond has a religious relationship with the main temple.
- Historical records suggest that about 350 years ago, there was nothing between the Temple and the Lake except some temples.
- Bindhyabasini, Bhabani Shankar, Shukasari and Mohini temples will be part of the redevelopment plan.
This is a part of the Lingaraj Temple Heritage Development Project under Ekamra plan.
- Through Ekmara plan, it is expected that heritage redevelopment will enhance the attraction of Bhubaneswar as a tourist site and claim for a UNESCO heritage site will be stronger.

Lingaraj Temple

Lingaraj Temple, built in 11^th century AD, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered as the largest temple of the city Bhubaneswar.
It is believed to have been built by the Somvanshi King Yayati I.
The main tower of this temple measures 180-feet in height.
It is built in red stone and is a classic example of Kalinga style of architecture.
The temple is divided into four sections―Garbh Griha (sanctum sanctorum), Yajna Shala (the hall for prayers), Bhoga Mandap (the hall of offering) and the Natya Shala (hall of dance).
The sprawling temple complex has one hundred and fifty subsidiary shrines.
Lingaraj is referred to as ‘Swayambhu” – self-originated Shivling.
Another important aspect of the temple is that it signifies the syncretisation of Shaivism and Vaishnavism sects in Odisha.
- Perhaps the rising cult of Lord Jagannath (considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) which coincided with the completion of the Lingaraja Temple had a role to play.
- The presiding deity in the Temple is known as Hari-Hara; Hari denotes Lord Vishnu and Hara meaning Lord Shiva.
The temple is out of bounds for non-Hindus.
The other attraction of the temple is the Bindusagar Lake, located in the north side of the temple.
On the western banks of Bindusagar, lies the garden of Ekamra Van named after the Hindu mythological texts where Bhubaneswar the capital city of Odisha was referred as Ekamra Van or a forest of a single mango tree.

Other Important Monuments in Odisha

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