Context: Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have written to the organisation’s director general and sought inquiry into demolitions by Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) around the 12th century Lingaraj temple.

Lingaraj Temple

• Lingaraj Temple, built in 11th 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