Thursday, July 18, 2013

Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar

Lingaraj Temple is the most visit temple in Bhubaneswar. It is Built in 10th century by the Somavamsi Kings and  it is the largest temple in the Kalinga school of architecture. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.



The temple faces east and is built of sandstone and laterite. Laid out on the Deula style with four divisions to the temple. The temple is well known for its ornamental carvings and exceptional craftsmanship. The central tower of the temple is 55 m tall. 




The Hall of offering has a pyramidal roof made of up several horizontal layers. At the top is inverted bell and a kalasa.



While the temple in its present form is more than 1100 years old, there is evidence that part of the temple was built during the sixth century CE as the temple has been emphasized in some of the seventh century Sanskrit texts. The Assembly hall, sanctum and temple tower wer built during the 11th century.



31 comments:

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Lovely! Loved the intricate carvings.

R Niranjan Das said...

Nice shots of the beautiful architecture.

http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/07/the-orange-sky.html

Jeevan said...

Absolutely marvelous and great works on the temple tower! Impressive photos and for me the image of this temple would come first if I hear the word Bhubaneswar.

Anonymous said...

I love visiting this temple during my engineering days,its one of the oldest temple in India.

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RNSANE said...

Incredible intricate carvings. Your photography shows it off well.

Steffi said...

Wow!What a great temple,Rajesh!It´s very interesting for me from Europe to see such buildings!I hope someday in future I can see it with my own eyes!
Have a nice weekend!

Sylvia K said...

I never cease to be amaze at all of the many incredible temples in your country, Rajesh!! And your captures are superb as always! Hope you and your family have a lovely weekend!

HansHB said...

Nice shots! Interesting to study details!
Well done!

Richard Lawry said...

I am always amazed by these old temples.
An Arkie's Musings

Photo Cache said...

beautiful temple.

Carver said...

Fantastic shots. Such intricate work.

RIZALENIO said...

Jawdropping craftsmanship as always.

Leovi said...

Very beautiful these pictures! A beautiful place, I like how you've captured! Greetings!

Anonymous said...

That's stunning!

Joyful said...

I think that is an amazing feat of architecture for the time period.

Lowell said...

This is somewhat different than other temples you've shown, but very interesting and attractive. Looks like some renovations are going on.

Annemor said...

I like the oportunity to se all the details in the last shot.
Have a nice day.
Mormor

My name is Riet said...

There are so many beautiful buildings and things in your country. Wish I could go there one day

Birgitta said...

Fantastic buildings!!! Great photos!

Gemma Wiseman said...

The pyramidal tower is an extraordinary piece of craftsmanship! Once again, the attention to fine detail amazes me!

Anonymous said...

Wow!Very delicate carvings.

Chubby Chieque said...

Raj,
You never stop my amusement. Loving all your unusual castles. I am just curious if your King or Gods and their families are still living in these castles? Or are they museums?

Thank for sharing India's treasures.

Happy w/end.
/CC girl

LV said...

In all my 84 years never saw temples like these. Awesome structures.

Noel Morata said...

I love all the interesting details and carvings beautiful

I'm inviting you to also link up with us for Travel Photo Mondays today, come join us.

MaiThreeBoyz said...

I am amazed at the ornamental carvings.

Rajesh said...

Hi Chubby Chieque,

Some of the palaces are now government property, museum, heritage hotels. Some are still in the control of royal family and they stay in them.

Thank you all for appreciating this beautiful temple.

K.A. Acharya said...

Magnificent temple.

Yogi Saraswat said...

very nice pictures

Deepa Gopal said...

Such intricate details...great workmanship...Incredible!

Lancelot Quadras said...

Incredible carving, Incredible pictures, precisely explained.
A very good post.

hindustanisakhisaheli said...

awesum capture of culture & tradition