Among Odisha’s temples, the Lingaraja temple in Bhubaneswar is particularly noteworthy. It is a work of architectural splendour and is regarded as one of the best archaeological monuments in the east, perfectly evoking the Kalinga style of architecture. Between 1025 and 1065 A.D., it was constructed. A colossal structure approximately 180 feet tall that dominates the entire landscape of Bhubaneswar. The temple is located within a large laterite compound measuring 520 by 465 feet and is surrounded by a number of smaller temples. Tribhubanesvara (Bhubaneswar) is the name of the presiding deity of this temple.
The magnificent Lingaraja temple is divided into four frontal projected sections: Deula, Jagamohana, Natamandira, and Bhogamandapa. The Natamandira and Bhogamandapa are unquestionably later additions. The Vimana and Jagamohana of the Lingaraja temple are marvels for the general public and art historians in particular because they demonstrate how large pieces of rock could be lifted to such a great height in an era when modern technology was virtually unknown. The Lingaraja temple’s Jagamohana is adorned with numerous sculptures. Additionally, I had balustrated windows to the north and south, which are now closed. The Natamandira and Bhogamandapa are both open-air temples. The images of Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya are located in the sanctuary’s northern, southern, and western niches, respectively. Chlorite was used to create the life-size images of the Parsva-devatas. The three distinct Puranic episodes are depicted on the sanctuary’s and Jagamohana’s walls.
Lord Siva’s marriage scene is depicted on the southern door of the Jagmohana, where Siva wears the crown of a bride groom but appears completely naked. The scene is associated with Bhrikuti, Brahma, and Parvati. On the southern facade of the sanctuary, a scene depicts Yasoda churning curd and Srikrishna disturbing her as a child. It is also associated with the image of Nanda. On the western side of the Vimana, the third episode is represented by a simplified representation of Lord Siva’s marriage. The Lingaraja temple is a rekha deula constructed in the Pancharatha style without the use of a Pistha (platform) and with Panchangabada. The temple’s Varanda features ten intricately carved mouldings. The Janghas are lavishly decorated, particularly the lower Jangha, which is adorned with Khakaramundis. The temple’s Mastaka, Khapuri, and Kalasha are all beautifully arranged, and the trisula serves as the temple’s finial. The deula and Mukhasala are extremely artistic in their beauty. Thus, the Lingaraja temple is magnificent architecturally and exemplifies the mature kalinga-style of artistic excellence.
Architectural Specifications and Design Elements
The Lingaraj temple is Bhubaneswar’s largest temple. The noted critic and historian James Ferugsson (1808–86) lauded the temple as “one of the finest examples of a purely Hindu temple in India.” It is enshrined within a sprawling laterite compound wall measuring 520 feet (160 metres) by 465 feet (142 m). The wall is 7.5 feet (2.3 metres) thick and is capped with a simple slant coping. A terrace runs alongside the inner face of the boundary wall, protecting the compound wall from outside aggression. The tower stands 45.11 metres (148.0 feet) tall, and the complex’s spacious courtyard contains 150 smaller shrines. Each inch of the 55-meter-tall (180-foot-tall) tower has been sculpted. Sandalwood is used to construct the door in the entrance porch’s gate.
The Lingaraja temple is constructed of sandstone and laterite and faces east. The main entrance is on the east, while smaller entrances are located on the north and south. The temple is constructed in the Deula style and is composed of four components: a vimana (structure containing the sanctum), a jagamohana (assembly hall), a natamandira (festival hall), and a bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings), all of which are aligned axially and descend in height. The dance hall was associated with the devadasi system’s rise to prominence during this era. From the Hall of Offering to the sanctum’s tower, the various units increase in height.
The bhogamandapa (Hall of Offering) is 42 feet (13 meters)42 feet (13 metres) on the inside and 56.25 feet (17.15 meters)56.25 feet (17.15 metres) on the outside, with four doors on each side. The hall’s exterior walls are adorned with sculptures of men and beasts. The hall’s pyramidal roof is composed of multiple horizontal layers arranged in pairs with an intervening platform. It is topped with an inverted bell and a kalasa. The natamandira (festival hall) is 38 feet (12 meters)38 feet (12 metres) on the inside and 50 feet (15 meters)50 feet (15 metres) on the outside, with one main entrance and two side entrances. The hall’s side walls are adorned with decorative sculptures depicting women and couples. It features a flat roof that slopes in stages. The hall is lined with substantial pylons.
The jagamohana (assembly hall) is 35 ft (11 m)30 ft (9.1 m) on the inside and 55 ft (17 m)50 ft (15 m) on the outside, with south and north entrances and a 30 metre (98 ft) high roof. As with the Hall of Offering, the hall has a pyramidal roof composed of several horizontal layers arranged in pairs with an intervening platform. The entrance facades are embellished with perforated windows depicting a lion on hind legs. Above the second unit, the inverted bell is adorned with kalasa and lions. The rekha deula is crowned by a 60 m (200 ft) tall pyramidal tower that measures 22 ft (6.7 m)22 ft (6.7 m) on the inside and 52 ft (16 m)52 ft (16 m) on the outside. It is embellished with decorative elements and features a seated lion protruding from the walls. From the inside, the sanctum is square in shape. Female figures in various poses are sculpted into the tower walls. The temple’s expansive courtyard is densely packed with hundreds of small shrines.