Lingaraj Temple
ଲିଙ୍ଗରାଜ ମନ୍ଦିର
The largest and most sacred Shiva temple in Bhubaneswar. Its main Kalinga-style tower rises about 55 meters, and it forms the core of the city skyline.
Lingaraj Temple was built in the 11th century by the Somavamsi dynasty. It is dedicated to the Harihara, a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu appearing as Tribhuvaneswar, “Lord of the Three Worlds,” from which the city takes its name. Within the walls are more than 150 small shrines. The main tower, or deula, stands about 55 meters tall and is covered in intricate reliefs, widely regarded as the pinnacle of Kalinga temple architecture. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside. You can view the complex from a platform built outside the north wall, overlooking the entire temple compound. Hindu worshippers must remove their shoes before entering the shrine, and phones, cameras, and leather items are prohibited. The old town surrounds the temple, and you can walk to Bindu Sagar and the many small temples nearby.
Opening hours
About 05:00–21:00 (non-Hindus may visit only the viewing platform)
Nearby sights
- Bindusagar Lake & Ananta Vasudeva Temple
- Vaital Deula
- Parashurameshvara Temple
- Mukteshvara Temple
- Rajarani Temple
- Brahmeswara Temple
- Odisha State Museum
- Odisha Crafts Museum (Kala Bhoomi)