Toshali Sands

Lingaraj Temple (11th Century Ad)

This temple is considered the epitome of Oris san architecture. It dominates the city of Bhubaneswar and its soaring spire dominates the laridscape for miles. If one could see only one temple in Orissa this would undoubtedly be the choice. Perhaps the Sun Temple at Konark surpassed this temple. But the Sun Temple is in ruins. The construction of this temple was started by Jajati Keshari and was completed in the reign of Lalatendu Keshari. More than two generations laboured on it and it was completed in the thirtyfifth year of the reign of Lalatendu Keshari. Perhaps it took nearly a century to build.

The site has been sacred since a very long time, for there are references to the.. existence of temples at the same site from the 7th century AD. The tower of the temple soars to a height of 55 metres and is profusely carved thoroughout. It gracefully curves towards the top and contains monor turrets and ribs. In addition to the deul and Jagamohan or hall like porch, it has two new features: the Hall pf Dance and the Pavillion of offerings (Nata Mandir and Bhoga Mandap). The profusion of sculptures shows various aspects of contemporary life and is remarkable for the maturity of fonn and the excellence of expression.

This temple is remarkable in another respect. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Siva it has many intriguing features and shows the infiltration of rising Vaishnavism or the worship of Vishnu into a purely Siva temple. In fact, the deity is also called Harihar which means Vishnu Siva. In every Siva temple there is tpe statue of the bull (Nandi) facing the door. In Vishnu temples we generally have a column with the image of Garuda over it. At the Lingaraj temple the pride of place has been taken by the column and the poor Nandi has been displaced to a side room. Perhaps this was the way in ancient India to resolve religious conflicts. They aimed at synthesizing diverse cults.

In keeping with the electic and somewhat federating nature of Hinduism, the Lingaraj temple is located in a complex of various temples of different deities, the most important being Siva, wife Parvati or Bhubaneswari (the mistress of the world) and their son Ganesh, the elephant-headed God of endeavour, knowledge and success. The temple is surrounded by massive stone wall and the portal to go inside is also a work of art. A viewing gallery has been specially built for non-Hindus.