Lingaraja Temple

Lingaraj Temple stands majestically in the ancient city of Bhubaneswar. It is the largest of the group of temples surrounding the 'Bindu Sagar' (Ocean Drop Tank!). This small tank which is mentioned in puranas, is itself a very religious place as it is said to contain the the water drawn from all the holy rivers in India. Just south of 'Bindu Sagar' stands the grand Lingaraj Temple which was built in early 11th century AD, however it has been a place for worship even before the temple was built. Lingaraj Temple has remained a living shrine. The temple is dedicated to Shiva. It is beautifully carved from the base to the top of this curvilinear temple and stands an imposing 45 metre. The shrine inside is unique and Shiva is worshipped here as Hari - Hara because the lingam is considered as 'half Shiva - half Vishnu, thus testifying to the unique nature of amalgamation of different strands of Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism namely Shaivism and Vaishnavism, thus recognising the fact that no matter whom we pray to it is ultimately the Brahman.