Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar
An 11th-century architectural marvel, Lingaraj Temple is Bhubaneswar's spiritual heart, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Closer access to deity
Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar
Best Time
Closer access to deity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 11th-century architectural marvel, Lingaraj Temple is Bhubaneswar's spiritual heart, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
"A masterpiece of Kalinga architecture with a profound spiritual atmosphere, truly a must-visit."
📱 Phone & Shoe Storage
Expect to pay ₹20-₹40 for storing phones, shoes, and umbrellas. Plan accordingly!
🚶♂️ Explore the Complex
The temple complex is vast with numerous shrines. Allow over an hour to explore fully.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Spire
Central Sanctum
A towering masterpiece of Kalinga architecture, this iconic stone spire dominates the skyline.
Harihara Deity
Main Sanctum
Worship Lord Shiva and Vishnu in their combined form, a unique representation of divine oneness.
Intricate Carvings
Temple Walls & Shrines
Marvel at the exquisite stone carvings depicting mythological scenes and deities.
Ekamra Van
Near Bindu Sagar Lake
Explore this serene garden, a peaceful green space offering respite and beautiful views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Attire & Entry
Plan for Belongings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📱 Phone & Shoe Storage
Expect to pay ₹20-₹40 for storing phones, shoes, and umbrellas. Plan accordingly!
🚶♂️ Explore the Complex
The temple complex is vast with numerous shrines. Allow over an hour to explore fully.
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Non-Hindus may have restricted access to inner areas.
🙏 Respectful Visit
This is an active place of worship. Maintain decorum and observe rituals with reverence.
Tips
from all over the internet
📱 Phone & Shoe Storage
Expect to pay ₹20-₹40 for storing phones, shoes, and umbrellas. Plan accordingly!
🚶♂️ Explore the Complex
The temple complex is vast with numerous shrines. Allow over an hour to explore fully.
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Non-Hindus may have restricted access to inner areas.
🙏 Respectful Visit
This is an active place of worship. Maintain decorum and observe rituals with reverence.
📸 Exterior Views
Non-Hindus can admire the stunning architecture from outside the main temple.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lingaraj Temple for its breathtaking Kalinga architecture, intricate carvings, and profound spiritual atmosphere. The historical significance and the unique Harihara deity are highlighted as major draws. However, some find the fees for storing personal belongings like phones and shoes to be a bit high, and non-Hindus have restricted access to the inner sanctum.
"Lingaraj Temple is one of the most famous and ancient temples in Odisha, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 11th century, it is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture with its towering spire, intricate carvings, and grand layout. The temple complex has many smaller shrines, and the main deity is worshipped as Harihara, a combined form of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
The spiritual atmosphere inside is powerful and deeply moving, and thousands of devotees visit daily. The temple is not only a religious center but also an architectural wonder that reflects Odisha’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage."
Biswobhusan Mallick
"Visiting the temple was truly a remarkable experience, filled with a sense of peace and spirituality. The intricate architecture and the detailed carvings are absolutely breathtaking, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. It was fascinating to witness the rituals and ceremonies performed with such devotion and precision. The atmosphere surrounding the temple creates a feeling of serenity, allowing for moments of introspection. Overall, a visit to this temple is a must for anyone seeking a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage."
Amit Paul
"What can I say about Lingaraj Temple, it has such a good history. You can google it anywhere. You will find its history at every place. When was it built, how was it built, where was it built?
But I will tell you about the management here. I liked the management here. Now see, the thing is that when you go to keep your shoes or phone here, they will ask you for money and A don't know they charge ₹20 for keeping the phone. They also charge ₹20 for shoes.. I don't know why they do this, I feel that this should be a free service and we should give as much as we wish.
After going inside this temple, you will see Lord Shiva. Here inside this temple, you will find many gods. If you want, you can also see them there."
Lakshmi Raj
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lingaraj Temple is centrally located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. You can easily reach it by auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, or local buses from anywhere in the city. Taxis are also readily available. 
Yes, Bhubaneswar has a good public transport network. Auto-rickshaws and buses frequently ply routes that pass by or near the Lingaraj Temple, making it accessible for most travelers.
From Bhubaneswar Railway Station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi. The journey typically takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
While specific park and ride facilities might not be widely advertised, many visitors opt to park their vehicles at designated spots near the temple entrance and then walk or use local transport for the final approach.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are operational in Bhubaneswar and can be a convenient way to get to Lingaraj Temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the outer complex of Lingaraj Temple is generally free. However, there might be charges for specific services or access to certain areas.
Lingaraj Temple is typically open from sunrise to sunset, usually around 6 AM to 9 PM. It's advisable to check the exact timings as they can vary.
Non-Hindus are generally not permitted to enter the inner sanctum of Lingaraj Temple. They can, however, view the temple from a designated platform outside.
Mobile phones, cameras, leather items, and bags are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
There are authorized storage facilities near the entrance where you can deposit your mobile phones, shoes, and other prohibited items for a nominal fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Harihara, a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu). It's a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture and a major pilgrimage site.
To fully explore the vast temple complex and its numerous shrines, it's recommended to allocate at least 1 to 2 hours.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main temple complex. You can take photos of the exterior architecture from outside the restricted areas.
Visiting early in the morning, ideally before 9 AM, or during the late evening hours can help you avoid the peak crowds and experience a more serene atmosphere.
While official guided tours might not always be available, you can often find local guides near the temple entrance who can provide insights into its history and significance. Negotiate the price beforehand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Lingaraj Temple and in the Old Town of Bhubaneswar offers various dining options, from local eateries serving Odia cuisine to more established restaurants.
You should try traditional Odia dishes like Dalma, Pakhala, Chhena Poda, and various seafood preparations. Many local dhabas and restaurants serve authentic flavors.
Absolutely! You'll find numerous street food stalls and small local eateries (dhabas) offering delicious and affordable Odia snacks and meals.
Yes, vegetarian food is widely available in Bhubaneswar, and most restaurants and eateries near Lingaraj Temple will have a good selection of vegetarian dishes.
While street food can be tempting, it's advisable to choose vendors who maintain good hygiene standards. Look for busy stalls with fresh ingredients.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is prohibited inside the temple complex. However, you can capture stunning images of the temple's exterior architecture from the surrounding areas.
The area around Bindu Sagar Lake offers excellent vantage points for photographing the temple, especially during sunrise or sunset. The intricate carvings on the outer walls are also great subjects.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in and around religious sites due to security and privacy concerns. It's best to avoid using drones.
Architectural photography focusing on the Kalinga style, detailed carvings, and the grandeur of the main spire is very popular. Capturing the spiritual atmosphere during festivals is also sought after.
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provide the most beautiful and dramatic lighting for photographing the temple's stone structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting Ekamra Van nearby for a more relaxed environment where kids can run around.
The area around Bindu Sagar Lake also offers space for children to explore. Keep the visit relatively short if your children have a short attention span, focusing on the exterior grandeur and the surrounding atmosphere. 🚶♂️ Budget Travelers
For dining, explore the numerous local dhabas and street food stalls around the temple for delicious and inexpensive Odia cuisine.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The area around Bindu Sagar Lake provides excellent vantage points for panoramic views, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. +1 Experiment with different perspectives to highlight the temple's grandeur and historical significance. Remember to respect the no-photography zones. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Lingaraj Temple
+1The temple's layout includes a main sanctum, a porch, an audience hall, and a dancing hall, all enclosed within a large courtyard surrounded by a high laterite wall. The sheer scale and detail of the stonework are breathtaking, showcasing the skill of the artisans of that era. Historians like James Fergusson have lauded it as one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple architecture in India.
Beyond the main structure, the complex houses numerous smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, contributing to its spiritual significance. The temple's enduring presence and architectural brilliance make it a vital part of Odisha's cultural heritage and a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Spiritual Significance and Deities
+1The temple is believed to be over a thousand years old and is considered the 'heart' of Bhubaneswar, often referred to as the 'Temple City of India'.
+1 Devotees flock to the temple, especially during auspicious occasions like Maha Shivratri, to offer prayers and witness the Mahadeepa ceremony, where a lamp is lit atop the main spire. The spiritual atmosphere is palpable, drawing thousands of devotees daily seeking blessings and peace. Beyond the main deity, the temple complex features numerous other shrines, allowing visitors to explore a variety of deities and their associated rituals. This rich spiritual tapestry contributes to the temple's reputation as a sacred and vibrant center of worship.
Exploring the Surroundings: Ekamra Van
Ekamra Van is not just a garden; it's a place where visitors can relax, take a leisurely stroll, and enjoy the natural beauty. It's also a great spot for photography, offering picturesque views of the Lingaraj Temple in the background, especially from across the Bindu Sagar Lake.
Visiting Ekamra Van can enhance your overall experience of the Lingaraj Temple area, providing a moment of serenity and a different perspective on the historical and cultural landscape of Old Bhubaneswar. It's a perfect addition to your itinerary if you have some extra time after exploring the temple.
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