Lingaraj Temple

4.9

BhubaneswarHalf day

TempleHeritagePilgrimage

About

Lingaraj Temple is the largest and most significant temple in Bhubaneswar, making it a centerpiece of Bhubaneswar tourism. Built around 1090 CE by the Somavamsi king Jajati II, the temple rises to a height of 55 meters and represents one of the grandest examples of Kalinga-style architecture in eastern India. Spread across 11 acres, the temple complex contains more than 50 subsidiary shrines surrounding the main sanctum. The presiding deity, Harihara, is worshipped here as Lingaraj and represents a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu. Although non-Hindus are not allowed inside the inner compound, a viewing platform outside the temple walls offers a clear look at the soaring main shikhara, allowing visitors to appreciate the scale and beauty of the monument.

Highlights

What makes this place special

55-metre Shikhara

The main Kalinga-style shikhara of Lingaraj Temple rises to 55 metres, making it one of the tallest surviving temple towers in eastern India. Covered in intricate sculptural detail, the soaring structure is one of the defining architectural highlights for travelers exploring the top attractions in Bhubaneswar.

External Viewing Platform

A dedicated raised platform outside the compound of Lingaraj Temple allows non-Hindus to view the towering main shikhara and observe parts of the temple’s ritual activity. This unusual and thoughtful arrangement makes the experience more accessible for visitors exploring Bhubaneswar tourism.