Lingaraj Temple: History, Location, Timings & Travel Guide

Quick Information

• Temple Name: Shree Lingaraj Temple

• Also Known As: Lingaraja Temple, Ekamra Kshetra

• Location: Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

• District: Khordha

• PIN Code: 751002

• Type: Active Hindu Temple and Monument of National Importance

• Religious Significance: Central shrine of the Ekamra Kshetra pilgrimage circuit

• Presiding Deity: Lord Harihara, representing Shiva and Vishnu

• Architectural Style: Kalinga Architectural Style

• Historical Period: 11th century CE

• Approximate Elevation: 45 metres above sea level

• Entry Fee: Free

• Opening Hours: Approximately 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, subject to daily rituals

• Best Time to Visit: October to March

• Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, approximately 3.5 km

• Nearest Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station, approximately 5 km

• Major Festivals: Maha Shivaratri, Rukuna Ratha Yatra and Chandan Yatra

About Shree Lingaraj Temple

Shree Lingaraj Temple is an active Hindu temple in Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, dedicated to Lord Harihara, a unified form of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple is the central shrine of the Ekamra Kshetra pilgrimage circuit and is protected as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The present stone temple complex dates to the 11th century CE and represents the Kalinga architectural tradition. Its towering sanctum, carved stone structures, subsidiary shrines and religious traditions make it one of the important heritage landmarks of Bhubaneswar.

Key Attractions & Things to See

Vimana and Main Sanctum

The Vimana, or main sanctum tower, is built in the Rekha Deula style. It rises approximately 180 feet or 55 metres above the temple complex and is the dominant architectural feature of the shrine.

Jagamohana

The Jagamohana serves as the assembly hall. It follows the Pidha Deula style, with a pyramidal roof formed by tiered horizontal stone layers.

Nata Mandira

The Nata Mandira is an open pillared hall associated with ritual dance performances. It was added during a later period of the temple's development.

Bhoga Mandapa

The Bhoga Mandapa is the hall associated with food offerings and daily temple rituals.

Sculptural Decoration

The temple's exterior contains elaborate stone carvings, including Nayikas, Dikpalas, Gaja-Simhas and floral scrollwork.

Bindusagar Lake

Bindusagar Lake lies approximately 200 metres north of the temple. It has an important religious association with the Ekamra Kshetra tradition, and pilgrims traditionally take a holy dip there before entering the temple for darshan.

Subsidiary Shrines

The temple complex contains numerous smaller shrines associated with deities including Devi Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya.

Popular Activities & Things to Do

Visitors can experience the religious atmosphere of the temple, observe its Kalinga architectural features from permitted areas, explore the surrounding Old Town heritage area and visit nearby historic temples and Bindusagar Lake.

Visitors can also experience major religious festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Rukuna Ratha Yatra and Chandan Yatra.

How to Reach

By Road

Lingaraj Temple is located in Old Town, Bhubaneswar, and is connected to the city road network through NH-16 and local roads leading to the Lingaraj area. Mo Bus services, auto-rickshaws and taxis provide access to the Old Town area.

Biju Patnaik International Airport is approximately 3.5 km from the temple, while Bhubaneswar Railway Station is approximately 5 km away.

By Train

Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the nearest major railway station, approximately 5 km from Lingaraj Temple. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available for the journey from the railway station to Old Town.

By Air

Biju Patnaik International Airport is approximately 3.5 km from Lingaraj Temple. Visitors can travel from the airport by taxi, app-based cab or auto-rickshaw.

Distance Chart

Biju Patnaik International Airport: Approximately 3.5 km

Bhubaneswar Railway Station: Approximately 5 km

Puri Shree Jagannath Temple: Approximately 55 km

Konark Sun Temple: Approximately 62 km

Cuttack: Approximately 30 km

Chilika Lake, Barkul: Approximately 95 km

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the preferred period for visiting Lingaraj Temple because the weather is comparatively cool and pleasant, with temperatures generally ranging between 16°C and 28°C.

Early morning, particularly between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM, provides cooler conditions and can offer a more comfortable temple visit.

April to June can be very hot, with summer temperatures reaching above 38°C and sometimes 42°C. Visitors during this period should plan around the hotter afternoon hours.

Visitor Timings & Entry Information

Lingaraj Temple generally opens from approximately 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, although timings can vary according to daily rituals and temple *niti*.

Regular entry and darshan are free.

Entry into the temple compound is restricted to Hindus by origin or practice. Non-Hindu and foreign visitors are not permitted to enter the main temple compound. An ASI viewing platform outside the northern enclosure provides an opportunity to view and photograph the architectural complex.

Mobile phones, cameras, smartwatches and other electronic devices are prohibited inside the temple compound. Leather items, outside food and drinks, alcohol and tobacco products are also prohibited.

Modest traditional Indian clothing is recommended. Shorts and sleeveless tops are restricted.

Shoe-keeping and locker facilities are available outside the main entrance area.

Nearby Essential Facilities

Drinking Water

Public drinking-water facilities are available around the Old Town Heritage Corridor area.

Food

Visitors can find vegetarian food and traditional Odia snacks in the Old Town area. The nearby Ananta Vasudeva Temple is also associated with traditional vegetarian Odia temple food.

Medicines

Visitor facilities and commercial establishments are available within the wider Old Town and Bhubaneswar urban area.

Toilets

Public restroom facilities are situated around the Old Town Heritage Corridor walkway.

Fuel

Fuel stations are available within the Bhubaneswar urban road network surrounding Old Town.

Travel Tips & Visitor Advice

• Carry government-issued identification and a small amount of cash for offerings and visitor services.

• Do not carry mobile phones, cameras, smartwatches or other prohibited electronic devices into the temple compound.

• Avoid leather belts, leather wallets, leather watch straps and other prohibited leather items.

• Leave footwear at the designated shoe counter outside the temple.

• Wear modest clothing suitable for a Hindu temple.

• Early morning visits are more comfortable during warmer months.

• Clean cotton socks can provide additional comfort when walking over warm stone surfaces.

• Allow approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours for entry, queueing and exploring permitted areas.

• Visitors using wheelchairs should be aware that uneven surfaces, narrow doorways and stone thresholds can make access to inner areas difficult.

• During major festivals, expect larger crowds and additional security and queue-management arrangements.

Shree Lingaraj Temple is a historic Hindu temple in Old Town, Bhubaneswar, known for its Harihara tradition, monumental Kalinga architecture, religious festivals and surrounding heritage landscape. A visit can be combined with Bindusagar Lake, Mukteshwar Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Kedargouri Temple and other historic landmarks of Bhubaneswar's Old Town.