Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
Old Town, Bhubaneswar (Ekamra Kshetra), Khordha district, Odisha · Lord Lingaraja – Shiva as Tribhuvaneswara ('Lord of the Three Worlds'), worshipped as Harihara (Shiva and Vishnu together); consort Goddess Parvati (Bhubaneswari)
The great 11th-century Shiva temple that gave Bhubaneswar its name – the high point of the Kalinga temple style.
Lingaraj is the largest and most important temple of Bhubaneswar, the 'Temple City' of India. Built mainly in the late 11th century, its curved tower rises about 55 m over the Old Town and is counted among the finest examples of the Kalinga (Odishan) style. The linga is self-manifested (swayambhu) and is worshipped as Harihara, a joint form of Shiva and Vishnu, so both bilva and tulsi leaves are offered. Only Hindus may enter; others can view the temple from a platform outside the wall.
Timings
- Temple open: approx. 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (sources vary between 5:00/6:30 AM opening)
- Bhoga closure: approx. 12:30 – 3:30 PM (sanctum closed for offerings)
- Note: Timings change on Shivaratri, Chandan Yatra and other festivals; check locally.
Darshan types and costs
- General darshan – Free
- Viewing platform (outside) – Free
Sevas and costs
- Mangala Alati and Mahasnana darshan – Free (Daily, approx. 5:00 – 6:30 AM)
- Abhishek / Rudrabhishek through temple priests – Varies – fixed by the priest and administration; check at the temple office (Daily, mostly in the morning)
- Abhada (cooked bhog prasad) – Varies (Daily, after Sakala Dhupa (approx. from 9 AM))
- Mahadeep on Mahashivaratri – Free (Maha Shivaratri (Phalguna; February/March), night)
- Chandan Yatra (sandalwood festival) – Free (From Akshaya Tritiya, 22 days (April/May))
- Rukuna Rath Yatra (Ashokashtami) – Free (Chaitra Shukla Ashtami (March/April))
How to book darshan
No online booking for darshan. Pujas are arranged at the temple office or with sevayats on the spot.
Dress code
Modest traditional dress covering shoulders and knees. No leather items.
Best time to visit
October to March. Mahashivaratri (Feb/Mar) and Mondays of Shravana (July/Aug) are spectacular but extremely crowded.
How to reach
- air: Biju Patnaik International Airport, about 4–5 km.
- rail: Bhubaneswar railway station (BBS), about 4 km.
- road: City buses (Mo Bus), autos and cabs. Puri is 60 km and Konark 65 km away.
Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri – Feb/Mar
- Ashokashtami (Rukuna Rath Yatra) – Mar/Apr
- Chandan Yatra – Apr/May, 22 days
- Shravana Mondays (Bol Bom) – Jul/Aug
- Kartika month – Oct/Nov