Lingaraj Temple: The Pinnacle of Kalinga Architecture
The Lingaraj Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. It represents the quintessence of Kalinga architecture and culminating the medieval stages of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar.
Significance
The temple is believed to have been built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers. The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components:
- ✦Vimana (The structure containing the sanctum)
- ✦Jagamohana (Assembly hall)
- ✦Natamandira (Festival hall)
- ✦Bhoga-mandapa (Hall of offerings)
The presiding deity is worshipped as Harihara (a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva), highlighting the cultural synthesis of Shaivism and Vaishnavism in Odisha.