Revamp of Lingaraj Temple: Odisha

• 20 Aug 2020

Why in News

The Odisha government has decided to give a facelift to the 11^th century Lingaraj Temple, akin to its pre-350-year structural status.

• This announcement has come despite the massive financial burden on the State economy in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.

Key Points

• The efforts will be to create a spiritual and ecological ambience in and around the Lingaraj Temple.
• The redevelopment plan of the peripheral area of the temple, known as ‘Ekamravan Kshetra’, in Bhubaneswar, has been approved.
• Further, the government is planning a barrier-free access between the Temple and Bindusagar lake.
  
  • After the Lingaraj Temple, the Bindusagar (a sprawling pond) is the second major attraction for devotees. The pond has a religious relationship with the main temple.
  • Historical records suggest that about 350 years ago, there was nothing between the Temple and the Lake except some temples.
  • Bindhyabasini, Bhabani Shankar, Shukasari and Mohini temples will be part of the redevelopment plan.
• This is a part of the Lingaraj Temple Heritage Development Project under Ekamra plan.
  
  • Through Ekmara plan, it is expected that heritage redevelopment will enhance the attraction of Bhubaneswar as a tourist site and claim for a UNESCO heritage site will be stronger.

Lingaraj Temple

• Lingaraj Temple, built in 11^th century AD, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered as the largest temple of the city Bhubaneswar.
• It is believed to have been built by the Somvanshi King Yayati I.
• The main tower of this temple measures 180-feet in height.
• It is built in red stone and is a classic example of Kalinga style of architecture.
• The temple is divided into four sections―Garbh Griha (sanctum sanctorum), Yajna Shala (the hall for prayers), Bhoga Mandap (the hall of offering) and the Natya Shala (hall of dance).
• The sprawling temple complex has one hundred and fifty subsidiary shrines.
• Lingaraj is referred to as ‘Swayambhu” – self-originated Shivling.
• Another important aspect of the temple is that it signifies the syncretisation of Shaivism and Vaishnavism sects in Odisha.
  
  • Perhaps the rising cult of Lord Jagannath (considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) which coincided with the completion of the Lingaraja Temple had a role to play.
  • The presiding deity in the Temple is known as Hari-Hara; Hari denotes Lord Vishnu and Hara meaning Lord Shiva.
• The temple is out of bounds for non-Hindus.
• The other attraction of the temple is the Bindusagar Lake, located in the north side of the temple.
• On the western banks of Bindusagar, lies the garden of Ekamra Van named after the Hindu mythological texts where Bhubaneswar the capital city of Odisha was referred as Ekamra Van or a forest of a single mango tree.

Other Important Monuments in Odisha

• Konark Sun Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Jagannath Temple
• Tara Tarini Temple
• Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves

Source: TH