The Odisha Government recently announced its plans to restore the 11th century Lingaraj Temple to its pre-350-year structural status, despite ongoing financial pressures from the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative is part of the Lingaraj Temple Heritage Development Project under the broader Ekamra plan.
Redefining Spiritual and Ecological Spaces
One of the key aims of this restoration effort is to foster a spiritual and ecological ambiance around the prestigious Lingaraj Temple. The redevelopment strategy includes the peripheral area of the temple, known as ‘Ekamravan Kshetra’, located in Bhubaneswar. The proposal already has government approval.
Improving Accessibility to Religious Sites
Further plans include providing barrier-free access between the Temple and the Bindusagar Lake. Historically there was nothing but a few temples interspersing these two sites around 350 years ago. Bindhyabasini, Bhabani Shankar, Shukasari, and Mohini temples are also included in the redevelopment plan.
Enhancing Tourist Attraction
The Ekamra plan will refine the heritage redevelopment of these areas, in turn, boosting Bhubaneswar’s appeal as a popular tourist destination. The scheme also aims to strengthen the city’s claim to being recognized as a UNESCO heritage site.
About the Lingaraj Temple
Constructed in the 11th century AD, the Lingaraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands as the largest temple in Bhubaneswar city. The temple was reportedly built by Somvanshi King Yayati I. It features red stone construction in the Kalinga architectural style and stands at an impressive 180-feet high.
The temple complex comprises four sections: the Garbh Griha (sanctum sanctorum), the Yajna Shala (hall for prayers), the Bhoga Mandap (hall of offering), and the Natya Shala (hall of dance). It includes more than one hundred and fifty subsidiary shrines.
Spiritual Importance of Lingaraj Temple
Lingaraj is also known as ‘Swayambhu,’ which represents a self-originated Shivling. The temple showcases the harmonious blending of Shaivism and Vaishnavism, two key sects in Odisha. Hari-Hara is the presiding deity in the temple, representing an amalgamation of Lord Vishnu (Hari) and Lord Shiva (Hara).
Bindusagar Lake
The Bindusagar Lake, another significant attraction of the temple, is situated on its northern side. The western banks of the lake house the Ekamra Van garden, named after Hindu mythological texts that referred to Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, as Ekamra Van, or a forest of a single mango tree.
Other Important Monuments in Odisha
There are several other noteworthy monuments in Odisha including Konark Sun Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Jagannath Temple, Tara Tarini Temple, Udaygiri, and Khandagiri Caves.