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'{{Short description|Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha}} {{Redirect|Lingaraj|activist|Lingaraj Azad}} {{Use Indian English|date=December 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2013}} {{Infobox Hindu temple | name = Lingaraja Temple | native_name = | native_name_lang = or | image = Lingaraj Temple in the evening.jpg | caption = | map_type = <!-- India Odisha --> | map_caption = Location in Odisha | coordinates = {{coord|20|14|18|N|85|50|01|E|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}} | country = India | state = [[Odisha]] | district = [[Khurda]] | locale = [[Ekamra Kshetra]], Old Town, [[Bhubaneshwar]] | elevation_m = | tradition = Saivism | deity = [[Shiva]] As Lingaraja/ [[Harihara]] [[Bhuvaneshvari]] Form of [[Parvati]] (consort) | festivals= [[Shivaratri]] | architecture = [[Kalinga Architecture]] | temple_quantity = | monument_quantity= | inscriptions = | year_completed = 11th century CE | creator = Jajati Keshari{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} | website = }} {{Saivism}} '''Lingaraja Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to [[Shiva]] and is one of the oldest temples in [[Bhubaneswar]], the capital of the Indian state of [[Odisha]]. The temple is the most prominent landmark of Bhubaneswar city and one of the major tourist attractions of the state.<ref name="Bhubaneswar Corporation"/><ref name="ASI"/><ref>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/175 175]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The central tower of the temple is {{cvt|180|ft|m}} tall. The temple represents the quintessence of the [[Kalinga architecture]] and culminating the medieval stages of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar.<ref name="Ramesh Prasad Mohapatra 1986 Page 69"/> The temple is believed to be built by the kings from the [[Somavaṃśī dynasty|Somavamsi dynasty]], with later additions from the [[Eastern Ganga dynasty|Ganga]] rulers. The temple is built in the ''[[Deula]]'' style that has four components namely, ''[[vimana]]'' (structure containing the sanctum), ''[[jagamohana]]'' (assembly hall), ''natamandira'' (festival hall) and ''bhoga-mandapa'' (hall of offerings), each increasing in the height to its predecessor. The temple complex has 50 other shrines and is enclosed by a large compound wall. Bhubaneswar is called the Ekamra Kshetra as the deity of Lingaraja was originally under a mango tree (Ekamra) as noted in ''Ekamra Purana'', a 13th-century [[Sanskrit]] treatise. The temple is active in worship practises, unlike most other temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple has images of [[Vishnu]], possibly because of the rising prominence of [[Jagannath]] sect emanating from the Ganga rulers who built the [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Jagannath Temple]] in [[Puri]] in the 12th century. The central deity of the temple, Lingaraja, is worshipped both as Shiva and Vishnu. The harmony between the two sects of [[Hinduism]], [[Shaivism]], and [[Vaishnavism]], is seen in this temple where the deity is worshipped as [[Harihara]], a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva. Lingaraja temple is maintained by the Temple Trust Board and the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI). The temple has an average of 6,000 visitors per day and receives lakhs of visitors during festivals. [[Shivaratri]] festival is the major festival celebrated in the temple and event during 2012 witnessed 200,000 visitors. The temple compound is not open to non-Hindus, but there is a viewing platform beside the wall offering a good view of the main exteriors. This was originally erected for a visit by [[Lord Curzon]] when [[Viceroy of India|Viceroy]]. ==History== [[File:Lingaraj Temple Complex.jpg|thumb|left|Central [[vimana]] and temples in the Lingaraja Temple complex.]] [[File:Lingaraj temple Bhubaneswar 11005.jpg|thumb|left|Minor temples in the Lingaraja Temple complex.|alt=Image of a conical temple tower with smaller shrines around it.]] Lingaraja, literally means the king of [[Lingam]], the iconic form of Shiva. Shiva was originally worshipped as Kirtivasa and later as Harihara and is commonly referred to as Tribhuvaneshwara (also called Bhubaneswar), the master of three worlds, namely, heaven, earth, and netherworld. His consort is called [[Bhuvaneshvari]]. The temple in its present form dates back to the last decade of the eleventh century. There is evidence that part of the temple was built during the sixth century CE as mentioned in some of the seventh century Sanskrit texts.<ref name="Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple">{{cite web |url=http://www.orissatourism.gov.in/new/lingaraj.html |title=Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple |publisher=Tourism Development Corporation of Odisha |access-date=9 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206132524/http://www.orissatourism.gov.in/new/lingaraj.html |archive-date= 6 February 2013 }}</ref> [[James Fergusson (architect)|Fergusson]] believes that the temple might have been initiated by Lalat Indu Keshari who reigned from 615 to 657 CE. The Assembly hall (''jagamohana''), sanctum and temple tower were built during the eleventh century, while the Hall of offering (''bhoga-mandapa'') was built during the twelfth century. The ''natamandira'' was built by the wife of Salini between 1099 and 1104 CE.<ref>{{cite book|title=History of Indian and Eastern architecture, Volume 3|last=Fergusson|first=James |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JXZAAAAAYAAJ&q=Parasurameswara+Temple&pg=PA419|pages= 422–424|publisher=Harvard University|year=1876| location =London}}</ref> By the time the Lingaraja temple was completely constructed, the [[Jagannath]] (form of Vishnu) sect had been growing in the region, which historians believe, is evidenced by the co-existence of [[Vishnu]] and Shiva worship at the temple. The kings of Ganga dynasty were ardent followers of [[Vaishnavism]] and built the [[Jagannath Temple]] at [[Puri]] in the 12th century.<ref name="Upinder">{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Upinder|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century|year=2008|publisher=Pearson Education India| location =New Delhi|isbn=978-813-17-1120-0|page=622|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC&q=lingaraj+temple&pg=PR14}}</ref> As per some accounts, the temple is believed to have been built by the Somavanshi king [[Jajati Keshari|Yayati I]] (1025-1040), during the 11th century CE.<ref name="Upinder"/> Jajati Keshari shifted his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar which was referred to as ''Ekamra Kshetra'' in the [[Brahma Purana]], an ancient scripture. One of the Somavamsi queens donated a village to the temple and the Brahmins attached to the temple received generous grants.<ref>[[#Patnaik|Patnaik 1997]], pp. 40-41</ref> An inscription from the Saka year 1094 (1172 CE) indicates gifts of gold coins to the temple by Rajaraja II.<ref>[[#Patnaik|Patnaik]] 1997, p. 57</ref> Another inscription of Narasimha I from the 11th century indicates offer of beetel leaves as ''tambula'' to the presiding deity.<ref>[[#Patnaik|Patnaik 1997]], p. 145</ref> Other stone inscriptions in the temple indicate royal grants from Chodaganga to the nearby village people.<ref>[[#Patnaik|Patnaik 1997]], p. 59</ref> K.C. Panigrahi mentions that Yayti I had no time to build the temple and it should have been initiated by his sons Ananta Kesari and Udyota Kesari (believed to be other names of Yayati II as well). The argument provided against the view is that is his weak successors could not have constructed such a magnificent structure.<ref name=Parida/> ==Architecture== [[File:Lingaraj map.jpg|right|thumb|Temple plan of Lingaraja temple: from the top ''[[vimana (tower)|vimana]]'' (structure containing the sanctum), ''jagamohana'' (assembly hall), ''natamandira'' (festival hall) and ''bhoga-mandapa'' (hall of offerings)|alt=temple plan for four spires of a temple]] [[File:Bhuvanesvar1016.jpg|thumb|250px| lateral view of Liṅgarāja temple, [[Bhubaneshwar|Bhubaneśvara]].]] The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. [[James Fergusson (architect)|James Fergusson]] (1808–86), a noted critic and historian rated the temple as "one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple in India".<ref name="Bhubaneswar Corporation"/> It is enshrined within a spacious compound wall of [[laterite]] measuring {{convert|520|ft|m|abbr=on}} by {{convert|465|ft|m|abbr=on}}. The wall is {{convert|7.5|ft|m|abbr=on}} thick and surmounted by a plain slant coping. Alongside the inner face of the boundary wall, there is a terrace to protect the compound wall against outside aggression.<ref name="Ramesh Prasad Mohapatra 1986 Page 69">[[Ramesh Prasad Mohapatra]] (1986) Page 69. ''Archaeology in Orissa Vol I''. B. R. Publishers, Delhi {{ISBN|81-7018-346-4}}</ref> The tower is {{convert|45.11|m|ft|abbr=on}} high and the complex has 150 smaller shrines in its spacious courtyard. Each inch of the {{convert|55|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall tower is sculpted.<ref name="Bhubaneswar Corporation"/><ref name=Parida>[[#Parida|Parida 1999]], pp. 105-8</ref> The door in the gate of the entrance porch is made of sandalwood.<ref>[[#Patnaik|Patnaik 1997]], p. 43</ref> The Lingaraja temple faces east and is built of [[sandstone]] and [[laterite]]. The main entrance is located in the east, while there are small entrances in the north and south. The temple is built in the ''[[Deula]]'' style that has four components namely, ''[[vimana]]'' (structure containing the sanctum), ''[[jagamohana]]'' (assembly hall), ''natamandira'' (festival hall) and ''bhoga-mandapa'' (hall of offerings), with all four in axial alignment with descending height.<ref name=Parida/><ref name="Ali">{{cite book|title=World Heritage Monuments|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=54XBlIF9LFgC&q=lingaraja+temple&pg=PA197|first1=ʻAlī |last1=Jāvīd|first2=Tabassum |last2=Javeed|pages=197–201|publisher=Algora Publishing|year=2008|isbn=9780875864846}}</ref> The dance hall was associated with the raising prominence of the [[devadasi system]] that existed during the time.<ref name="Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple"/> The various units from the Hall of offering to the tower of the sanctum increase in height. The ''bhogamandapa'' (Hall of offering) measures {{convert|42|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|42|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the inside, {{convert|56.25|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|56.25|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the outside and has four doors in each of the sides. The exterior walls of the hall has decorative sculptures of men and beast. The hall has a pyramidal roof made of up several horizontal layers arranged in sets of two with intervening platform. It bears an inverted bell and a ''[[kalasa]]'' in the top.<ref name="Ali"/><ref name="size">[[#A.|A. 1950]], p.73</ref><ref name="encyclo">{{Cite book |last=Brockman |first=Norbert C. |title= Encyclopedia of Sacred Places |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediasacr00broc |url-access=limited |year=2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO, LLC | location =California |isbn=978-1-59884-655-3|pages=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediasacr00broc/page/n242 212]–213}}</ref> The ''natamandira'' (festival hall) measures {{convert|38|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|38|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the inside, {{convert|50|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|50|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the outside, has one main entrance and two side entrances. The side walls of the hall has decorative sculptures displaying women and couples. It has a flat roof sloping in stages. There are thick pylons inside the hall.<ref name="Ali"/><ref name="size"/><ref>{{cite book|title=Dance and Architecture: Body, Form, Space and Transformation|first=Smritilekha|last=Nayak|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LuZUMh9uCpQC&pg=PT19|isbn=9780549965183|year=2008|page=10}}</ref> The ''jagamohana'' (assembly hall) measures {{convert|35|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|30|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the inside, {{convert|55|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|50|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the outside, entrances from south and north and has a {{convert|30|m|ft}} tall roof. The hall has a pyramidal roof made of up several horizontal layers arranged in sets of two with intervening platform as in the Hall of offering. The facade to the entrances are decorated with perforated windows with lion sitting on hind legs. The inverted bell above second unit is adorned by ''kalasa'' and lions.<ref name="Ali"/><ref name="size"/> The ''rekha deula'' has a {{convert|60|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall pyramidal tower over the sanctum and measures {{convert|22|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|22|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the inside, {{convert|52|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|52|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the outside over the sanctum. It is covered with decorative design and seated lion projecting from the walls. The sanctum is square in shape from the inside. The tower walls are sculpted with female figures in different poses.<ref name="Ali"/><ref name="size"/> The temple has a vast courtyard mired with hundreds of small shrines.<ref name=Parida/> ==Religious significance== [[File:Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar (4) - Oct 2010.jpg|thumb|The flag of the temple fixed to a Pinaka bow|alt=sculpture of lion projecting from the main spire of the temple]] Bhubaneswar is called the Ekamra Kshetra as the deity of Lingaraja was originally under a mango tree (Ekamra). ''Ekamra Purana'', a Sanskrit treatise of the 13th century mentions that the presiding deity was not seen as [[lingam]] (an aniconic form of Shiva) during the [[Satya Yuga|Satya]] and [[Treta yuga]]s and only during the [[Dvapara Yuga|Dvapara]] and [[Kali yuga]]s, it emerged as a lingam. The lingam in the temple is a natural unshaped stone that rests on a Sakti. Such a lingam is called Krutibasa or [[Swayambhu]] and is found in 64 places in different parts of India. With the advent of the Ganga dynasty in the early 12th century, who had Vaishnavaite orientation, a new movement started resulting in the synthesis of [[Saivism]] and [[Vaishnavism]]. The Ekamra was associated with Vaishanavite gods [[Krishna]] and [[Balaram]] during the period.<ref name="ekamra">{{cite journal|title=Lingaraj Worship in Ekamra Kshetra |date=April 2011 |volume=LXVII |issue=9 |pages=61–62 |url=http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/2011/Apr/engpdf/april.pdf |journal=The Orissa Review |publisher=Government of Orissa |access-date=29 December 2012 |last=Panda |first=Dr.Saroj Kumar |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203033726/http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/2011/Apr/engpdf/april.pdf |archive-date= 3 December 2013 }}</ref> It is attributed the raising prominence of Jagannath sect that became predominant during the construction of the temple. The Gangas remodelled the temple and introduced certain Vaishnavite elements like images of Vaishnava Dwarapalas namely Jaya and Prachanda, [[Jagannatha]], Lakshmi Narayan and [[Garuda]] were installed. Tulsi leaves, which are favoured by [[Vishnu]], was used along with Bela leaves for the worship of Lingaraja. Lingaraja thus came to be known as Harihara, a combination of Shiva and Vishnu. The flag of the temple was fixed to a Pinaka bow instead of trident usually found in Shiva temples. The temple priests also changed the mark in their forehead from horizontal to a "U" sign with a dotted middle line. The Gangas also introduced certain fairs like Swing festival, Sun worship and mock quarrel between priests after chariot festival, similar to the practises in Jagannath Temple in Puri. The influence of the Ganga dynasty has led to cosmopolitan culture, that has reduced the status of Lingaraja temple as a distinct Saivite shrine.<ref name="Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple"/><ref name="ekamra"/> ==Festival and worship practises== As per Hindu legend, an underground river originating from the Lingaraja temple fills the [[Bindusagar Tank]] (meaning ocean drop) and the water is believed to heal physical and spiritual illness. The water from the tank is thus treated sacred and pilgrims take a holy dip during festive occasions.<ref name="encyclo"/><ref name="Seymour">{{cite book|title=Women, Family, and Child Care in India: A World in Transition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ClkaIF3KzLIC&q=lingaraj+temple&pg=PA18|page=18|last=Seymour|first=Susan C.|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1999|isbn=0-521-59127-9}}</ref> The central deity of the temple, Lingaraja, is worshipped both as Shiva and Vishnu. The harmony between the two sects of Hinduism, Shaivism, and Vaishanvism, is seen in this temple where the deity is worshipped as [[Harihara]], a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva.<ref name="Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple"/> [[File:Rukuna Rath 1.jpg|thumb|left|Rukuna Ratha yatra is an annual Ratha yatra of Lingaraja|200px|alt=festival cart of the temple with image of the festival deity]] [[Shivaratri]] is the main festival celebrated annually in [[Phalgun]] month when thousands of devotees visit the temple.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thousands throng Lingaraj temple on Mahashivratri|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1961148191.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610055814/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1961148191.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 June 2014|access-date=29 December 2012|newspaper=Hindutan times, Delhi{{Subscription required|via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}|date=12 February 2010}}</ref> Apart from a full day of fasting, ''bel'' leaves are offered to Lingaraja on this auspicious day. The main celebrations take place at night when devotees pray all night long. The devout usually break their fast after the ''Mahadipa'' (a huge lamp) is lit on the spire of the temple. This festival commemorates Lingaraja having slain a demon. Thousands of ''bol bom'' pilgrims carry water from river [[Mahanadi]] and walk all the way to the temple during the month of Shravana every year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thousands congregate at Lingaraj temple |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/28/stories/2008072856470300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014104351/http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/28/stories/2008072856470300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 October 2008 |date=28 July 2008|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=13 January 2012}}</ref> Sunian day is observed from royal times in the month of Bhandra, a day when temple servants, peasants and other holders of temple lands offer loyalty and tribute to Lingaraja.<ref name="Misra1213"/> Candan Yatra (Sandalwood ceremony) is a 22-day festival celebrated in the temple when servants of the temple disport themselves in a specially made barge in Bindusagar tank. The deities and servants of the temples are anointed with sandalwood paste to protect from heat. Dances, communal feasts, and merrymaking are arranged by the people associated with the temple.<ref name="E.J."/> Every year the chariot festival ([[Ratha-Yatra]]) of Lingaraja is celebrated on ''Ashokashtami''. The deity is taken in a chariot to [[Rameshwar Deula]] temple. Thousands of devotees follow and pull brightly decorated chariots containing the idols of Lingaraja and his sister Rukmani.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hindus participate in Lingaraja's chariot procession in Bhubaneshwar|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1244699681.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610060106/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1244699681.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 June 2014|access-date=15 September 2012|newspaper=Hindustan Times, Delhi{{Subscription required|via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}|date=27 March 2007}}</ref> The Lingaraja temple is active in worship practises, unlike the other ancient temples of Bhubaneshwar which are not active worship centres. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, but it can be viewed from the viewing platform located outside the temple. The viewing platform and the back of the temple can be reached via a lineway located to the right of the main entrance of the temple.<ref name="Bhubaneswar Corporation">{{cite web |url = http://bmc.gov.in/TouristAtcton.asp?lnk=2&PL=5 |title = Bhubaneswar tourist attractions |publisher = Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation |access-date = 12 September 2006 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110810003759/http://bmc.gov.in/TouristAtcton.asp?lnk=2&PL=5 |archive-date = 10 August 2011 |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple"/><ref name="encyclo"/> Sanctity of the temple is maintained by disallowing dogs, unbathed visitors, menstruating women and families that encountered birth or death in the preceding 12 days.<ref>{{cite book|title=Culture and Depression: Studies in the Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Psychiatry of Affect and Disorder |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qSXap1Us-CAC&q=lingaraj+temple&pg=PA205|first=Arthur |last=Kleinman|page=206|author2=Byron Good |publisher=University of California Press|year=1985| location =London|isbn=0-520-05493-8}}</ref> In case of a foreign trespass, the temple follows a purification ritual and dumping of ''prasad'' (food offering) in a well.<ref name="admin1">{{cite news|title=Russian enters Lingaraj temple|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-24/bhubaneswar/30658776_1_hindu-nri-boy-ryszard-ankur-ahuja-russian-tourist|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203041653/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-24/bhubaneswar/30658776_1_hindu-nri-boy-ryszard-ankur-ahuja-russian-tourist|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2013|date=24 January 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=13 January 2012}}</ref><ref name="admin2">{{cite news|title=Russian held for entering Lingaraj temple |url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/37695-russian-held-for-entering-lingaraj-temple.html|date=25 January 2012|access-date=13 January 2012|newspaper=The Daily Pioneer}}</ref> ==Religious practices== [[File:Lingaraj Temple bbsr10.jpg|thumb|The main spire of the temple|alt=main conical spire of the temple]] The image of Lingaraja is abluted with water (called {{transl|hi|mahasnana}}) several times a day and decorated with flowers, sandal paste and cloth. [[Conium|Hemlock]] or hemlock flowers which are generally offered in other Shiva temples is not allowed in the Lingaraja temple. [[Aegle marmelos|Bilva]] leaves (Aegle marmelos) and [[tulasi]] (Ocimum sanctum) are used in daily worship. Offerings of cooked rice, curries and sweets are displayed in the ''bhogamandapa'' (hall of offering) and the divinity is invoked to accept them amidst scores of chanting of Sanskrit texts. Coconut, ripe plantains and [[Lia (food)|kora-khai]] are generally offered to Lingaraja by the pilgrims. [[Bhang]] beverage is offered to Lingaraja by some devotees especially on the day of [[Pana Sankranti]] (Odia new year). The Lingaraja temple is open from 6 a.m. to about 9 p.m. and is intermittently closed during ''bhoga'' (food offering) to the deity. During early morning, lamps in the cella are lit to awaken Lingaraja from his sleep, ablution is performed, followed by adoration and ''[[arati]]'' (waving of light). The temple is closed at about 12 noon until about 3.30 p.m. A ceremony is known as ''Mahasnana'' (ablution) is performed once the doors are closed, followed by pouring of ''[[Panchamrita]]'' (a mixture of milk, curdled milk, clarified butter, honey, and ghee) upon the deity for purification. At about 1:00&nbsp;pm, a ripe plantain is divided into two, one half is offered to Sun god and the other half to Dwarapala (the guarding deities in the doorway). Between 1 p.m. and 1:30&nbsp;p.m. the food offering called ''Ballabha Bhoga'' (breakfast containing curdled milk, curd, and vegetables) is offered to the deity. The consecrated food is carried to the temple of Parvati and placed before her as an offering, a practice commonly observed by the orthodox Hindu housewives. At about 2&nbsp;pm, the ''Sakala Dhupa'' (morning's offering of food) takes place. After the food is offered to Lingaraja, the offerings are carried to the temple of Parvati to serve her. An offering called ''Bhanda Dhupa'' is carried out at 3:30&nbsp;p.m. at the hall of the offering. This food is later offered by the inmates to the pilgrims as ''[[prasad|Mahaprasada]]''. A light refreshment known as ''Ballabha Dhupa'' is offered to the deity at around 4:30&nbsp;pm. At around 5:00&nbsp;pm, ''Dwipahar Dhupa'' (mid-day meal) is offered. At around 7&nbsp;pm, another offering called ''Palia Badu'' is placed before the deity. ''Sandhya arati'' (waving of lights in the evening) is performed during that time. Another light meal called ''Sahana Dhupa'' is offered at around 8:30&nbsp;pm. After the meals, the ceremony of waving light (''arati'') is performed before the deity. At 9.30&nbsp;pm, the last service of the day, ''Bada Singara'' (the great decoration) is performed when the deity is decorated with flowers and ornaments after which a light food offering is made. A wooden palanquin is laid in the room, incense is lighted, drinking water is served and prepared betel is placed. Panchabaktra Mahadeva comes to the palanquin and returns to his own abode after the ''arati'' is performed. This is a bronze image of Mahadeva having five faces and Parvati in his lap. Each of these ceremonies is accompanied by ritual observances and recitations of mantras (Sanskrit texts) specified for each occasion.<ref name="district">{{cite web|title=Lord Lingaraja|url=http://khordha.nic.in/lingaraj/lingaraj.htm|publisher=Khordha district administration|access-date=12 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502041651/http://khordha.nic.in/lingaraj/lingaraj.htm|archive-date=2 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==Temple staff and administration== King Jajati Keshari, believed to be the founder of the Lingaraja temple, deputed [[Brahmins]] who had migrated to south India as temple priests over the local Brahmins on account of their increased knowledge of Shaivism, due to increasing invasions from Muslim invaders. The focus was to enhance the temple practises from tribal rites to Sanskritic. While the exact number of castes involved in the {{transl|hi|nijogas}} (practises) is not known, Brahmins, tribal worshippers and inmates from [[Untouchable caste]]s are believed to be part of the setup. Bose (1958) identified 41 services with the involvement of 22 separate castes and Mahaptra (1978) identified 30 services. It is understood from the records that kings and temple managers of different times introduced or discontinued certain services, fairs, offerings, and caste-centred core services during their regime.<ref name="Misra1213">[[#Misra|Misra 1978]], pp. 12-13</ref> As of 2012, the temple practised 36 different services ({{transl|hi|nijogas}}).<ref name="nijogas">{{cite news|title=Lingaraj servitors threaten strike|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/article1295930.ece |date=9 August 2010|access-date=12 October 2012|newspaper=The Hindustan Times}}</ref> In modern times, the Lingaraja temple priests are from three communities, namely Pujapanda Nijog, Brahman Nijog and Badu Nijog.<ref>{{cite news|title=Warring priests bring Lingaraj temple rituals to a halt|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/warring-priests-bring-lingaraj-temple-rituals-to-a-halt/article560448.ece?css=print |date=9 August 2010|access-date=13 January 2012|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> The Badu are non-Brahmin servant groups, whose origin is not ascertained due to unavailability of authentic records, while they are described as Vadu in chapter 62 of the ''Ekamrapurana''. The caste group of Badu is called Niyoga, which elects the officers every year during the Sandalwood festival. Every Badu undergoes three distinct rites, namely, ear-piercing, marriage, and god-touching. Historically, the Badus performed five different temple duties - Paliabadu and Pharaka, which were considered important and Pochha, Pahada and Khataseja, which were considered inferior. From 1962, only Paliabadu and Pharaka practises are followed and the others are discontinued. The Badus also carry out ablution and dressing of the images of Siddhaganesh and Gopalini.<ref name="E.J.">[[#E.J.|E.J. 1973]], pp.96-107</ref> The temple is maintained by the Temple Trust Board and the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI). The temple is guarded by security personnel deputed by the Police Commissioner of Bhubaneswar and security guards appointed by the temple administration.<ref name="admin1"/><ref name="admin2"/> The temple has an average of 6,000 visitors every day and receives lakhs of visitors during festivals.<ref name="ASI">{{cite news|title=Cracks in Lingaraj on ASI team radar temple|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-30/bhubaneswar/36063333_1_lingaraj-temple-cracks-dadhinauti|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001650/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-30/bhubaneswar/36063333_1_lingaraj-temple-cracks-dadhinauti|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2013|date=30 December 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=13 January 2012}}</ref> The Shivaratri festival during 2012 witnessed 200,000 visitors.<ref>{{cite news|title=Over two lakh devotees throng Lingaraj temple temple|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/article2915014.ece?css=print|date=21 February 2012|access-date=13 January 2012|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> As of 2011, the annual income of Lingaraja temple from [[hundi]]s (donation boxes) is around {{INR}}1.2&nbsp;million per annum. Another {{INR}}4&nbsp;million is collected annually from other sources like rents from shops, cycle stands and agriculture lands. Starting 2011, the temple charges an amount for six types of religious worship (special [[pujas]]) carried out by the devotees.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lingaraj to charge fee for spl pujas|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-06/bhubaneswar/30118028_1_fee-collection-abani-pattnaik-shrine-authorities|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419023938/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-06/bhubaneswar/30118028_1_fee-collection-abani-pattnaik-shrine-authorities|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 April 2012|date=6 October 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=13 January 2012}}</ref> ==Gallery== <gallery mode=packed> File:Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar (3) - Oct 2010.jpg|A sculpted griffin or "udagajasingha" on the main temple spire. File:Bindu Sagar Lord Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar Odisha.jpg|Image of Bindusagar pond with Lingaraja temple in the background. File:Marigold at lingaraj temple.jpg|Varieties of Marigold for offering to Lingaraja during Shivaratri at Bhubaneswar. File:Birds eye view of Lingaraj Temple during Deepa Dana.jpg|Birds eye view of Lingaraj Temple during Deepa Dana February 2020. File:Lingaraj Temple complex at dusk during Shivratri 2020.jpg|Lingaraj Temple complex at dusk during Shivratri 2020. </gallery> == Notes == {{Reflist|3}} == References == {{Refbegin|3}} * {{cite book|title=Designs from Orissan Temples|last1=A.|first1=Goswami|year=1950|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_books/14834.pdf|publisher=Thacker's Press and Directories, Limited|location=Calcutta and London|ref=A.|access-date=2 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200215/http://asi.nic.in/asi_books/14834.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}} * {{cite book|title=Contributions to Asian Studies: 1973|last1=E.J.|first1=Brills |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8QYVAAAAIAAJ&q=lingaraj+temple&pg=PA103|ref=E.J.|publisher=Brill Academic Publishers|year=1973| location =Netherlands|isbn=9789004035386}} *{{cite book|title=Early Temples of Orissa|last=Parida|first=A.N.|publisher=Commonwealth Publishers| location =New Delhi|isbn=81-7169-519-1|ref=Parida|year=1999|edition=1st}} * {{cite book|title=Community, Self and Identity|last1=Misra|first1=Bhabagrahi |last2=Preston|first2=James |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jgDTCVW51WkC&q=lingaraj+temple&pg=PA12|publisher=Mounton Publishers|year=1978| location =Great Britain|isbn=90-279-7650-3|ref=Misra}} * {{cite book|title=Economic History of Orissa|last1=Patnaik|first1=Nihar Ranjan|year=1997 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1AA9W9_4Z9gC&q=lingaraj+temple&pg=PA43|publisher=Indus Publishing Company| location =New Delhi|isbn=81-7387-075-6|ref=Patnaik}} {{Refend}} ==External links== {{Commons category|Lingaraj Temple}} [https://www.real-indiatours.com/2020/07/lingaraj-temple-bhubaneshwar.html Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneshwar - Best Temples in India]{{Shaivism}} {{Shiva temples}} {{Hindu temples in Odisha}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Ancient Indian culture]] [[Category:11th-century Hindu temples]] [[Category:Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar]] [[Category:Shiva temples in Odisha]] [[Category:Vishnu temples]] [[Category:Archaeological monuments in Odisha]] [[Category:Sandstone buildings in India]]'