The Linga Raja Temple is an ancient temple located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that the temple was first built in the 7^th century by King Jajati Keshari. It is highly famous because the Linga located here is the manifestation of Lord Shiva and is believed to appear naturally. It has a huge height of 8 inches above the surface level and is 4 feet in diameter as well. 

The architecture of the temple is a great example of an Odissi style of architecture and has designed the stone vaults covering the main shrine of the temple. There is also a small temple decided to the Goddess Bhagwati which is located northwest of the courtyard. 

As we know, the temple was established by King Keshari in the 11^th century when he shifted his military capital to Bhubaneshwar from Jaipur. But Historians believe that the temple was first built in the 6^th century in some other form and referred to the 7th-century manuscript, Brahma Puran focusing on the significance of Lord Shiva in Bhubaneshwar. The temple is built in Orissa’s style the Kalinga style of architecture. The main temple is towards the east, whereas smaller entrances exist towards the northern and southern sides covering a vast area of 2,50,00 square feet, it is built around the huge Bindu Sagar, Lake and is surrounded by fortified walls carved beautifully with sculptures. 

The temple has four distinct parts, first is called the Vimana, which is a structure containing the main shrine, Jaganmohan which is the assembly hall, Nata Mandira, or the festival hall and Bhoga Mandapa, or the hall of offerings which is arranged in the order of descending height. Furthermore, the Bhogmandappa has four doors on each of its sides. The terrace of this temple is in the shape of a pyramidal and has an inverted bell and Kalash on its top. While it has only two doors that have sculptures of men and women. 

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The temple has a fascinating mythological story that, Lord Shiva, once told Goddess Parvati why he favored the city Bhubaneswar over Benares. To explore the city, she disguised herself as an ordinary cattlewoman and stake it out. While she was out and exploring, she met two demons named Kriti and Vasa, who wanted to marry her and make her wife. The demons continue to take Parvati and she continues to refuse. While she was protecting herself, she destroyed the two of them. Then Lord Shiva descended and formed the Bindu Saras Lake and continue living there for eternity. 

How to reach?

By Air- the distance between the Linga Raj temple is the Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is approximately 4.4km from the temple.

By train- the nearest railway station is Bhubaneswar railway station which is about 4.8km from the temple. 

By bus- there are very frequent buses from Bhubaneswar from where people can take local buses or take a private cab or taxi to reach the temple. 

The entry fee is nil, or free to visit the temple. It opens from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm every day.

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