Liìgaräj Temple, Bhubaneswar
The
Liìgaraj Temple, the largest of the temples in Bhubaneswar, is an outstanding
specimen a perfect example of Odisha style of temple-architecture. It is about
a thousand year old. Bhubaneswar, Konark and Puri constitute the Golden triangle
of Orissa, visited in large numbers by pilgrims and tourists.
Builder
The
Liìgaraj Temple was built initially by the ruler Yayati Kesari in the 7th
century, who shifted his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar
remained as the Kesari Capital until Nåpati Kesari founded Cuttack in the 10th
century. Inscriptions from the period of the Kalinga King Anangabhima III from
the 13th century are seen here.
Temple architecture/style
Structurally,
the Paraçurämeswara Temple at Bhubaneswar is the oldest, dating back to the
middle of the 7th century, and the Liìgaraj is assigned 10th
century. The bhogamaëòapa and naöyamaëòapa
of the Lingaraj temple are of later origin. Its deula/vimäna - tower rises up to 180 ft and is elaborately carved.
From
jagamohana - the viewing platform, one
can see the lions crushing the elephants, which are said to be a representation
of the re-emergence of Hinduism over Buddhism. The Sivalingam in the sanctum sanctorum of the Temple rises at
a height of 8 inches above the ground level and is 8 feet in diameter. More
than 50 smaller temples and shrines in the vast courtyard surround the main
Temple. In the northeast corner, a smaller temple to Pärvati is of particular
interest.
Worships
Twenty
two worships are offered each day.
Temple Lake
The
vast Bindusägar Lake is the centre, around which are located a multitude of
temples of Bhubaneswar. The Liìgaraj Temple is located in a spacious courtyard
over 250,000 sq. ft. and is protected by 40-metre high fortified walls. Once a
year, an image of Liìgaraj is taken to the Jalamandir in the centre of Bindusägar
Lake.
Historicity
Bhubaneswar
is a revered pilgrimage centre, referred to in Brahma Puräëa. The Brahma Puräëa
refers to Bhubaneswar as the Ekämra Kñetra enshrining a crore (ten million 10,000,000) of Çiva Liìgas.
Orthodoxy
Surrounded
by a high wall, the great temple of Bhubaneswar is off limits to all
non-Hindus. Although the British Raj respected this ruling, it did not deter
them from building a viewing platform beside the northern wall. It was put up
for the visit of Lord Curzon and it still used by tourists today.
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Work in Progress
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