Lingaraja Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa state in eastern India and the most famous landmark not only from the city, but from around the state. According to the historian Lingaraja - one of the best examples of a pure Hindu temple in India.
In the Sanskrit texts there is a reference to the fact that part of the temple complex was built in the 6th century. e., perhaps, its construction was initiated by the Indu Keshari Lalat, the rulers of these countries. Although further research has shown that the main hall - jahamohana, sanctuary tower and temple was built in the XI century, and the hall offerings - bhoga-mandapa - as early as XII.
The total area of the temple complex, along with a protective wall, is 250 hectares. The central part of the ensemble, which consists of three temples (dedicated to Ganesha, Parvati and Kartikee), is built on laterite plates with dimensions of 160 by 142 meters. The plate itself has a thickness of up to 2.3 meters. The central structure of the complex is a 55-meter-tall tower, and 150 small temples located in a large courtyard area. Lingaraja Temple, built of sandstone and laterite, facing east, where the main entrance is located; from the north and south there is also a small entrance.
The entire temple is built in the typical Deula style for the Orissa region, and consists of four parts: Vimana (the location of this sanctuary), Jag Mohan (main room), natamandira (dance) and Bhoga-mandapa (hall offerings). And all the buildings are on the same axis with a slight downward slope.
The existence of the dance hall was associated with the Devadasi tradition, which existed at the time. The temple service and God is dedicated to the lives of men and women of Devadasi. They created ritual and dance music performed during temple festivals, for example, such as the Lingaraja railway festival. Statues of the gods Lingaraja and his sister Rukmani were placed on a train, and thousands of adherents marched in the procession and drew a brightly decorated buggy.
The eight-meter long lingam consists of granite and embodies the image of God Siva. He rose from the female principle symbol - yoni, made of black chlorite. The temple lingam is called Swayambhu-lingam, which means self. The name of the temple complex is also given a name. The uniqueness of this lingam also on the fact that it belongs simultaneously to two Gods - Lord Shiva and Vishnu, whom he respected not only Shaivites but Vaishnavites. Also around the temple there are many lingam stones and other smaller metals.
Early in the morning, lights are lit in the temple to wake Lingaraja from sleep, then wudu and arati (fire victims) are done. Later in the day, the temple closes until 15:30. The ceremony, Mahasnana (wudhu) is performed exclusively with closed doors, as well as pancamrita further purification (bath with a mixture of milk, yoghurt, butter and honey peeled). The last one in the main hall is an offering to the incense gods. Later, this food is offered to the pilgrims as prasadam. Around 17, 19 and 20:30 evening offerings are held, after the last of them - again doing arati (offering fire). And, finally, at 21:30, the last service of the day was started - pepper (big trim). The god was decorated with flowers and offered him a snack. All night rituals are accomplished by execution of slokas (lines) of Sanskrit text in strict order for each ceremony.
Unlike other ancient Bhubaneswar temples, which are not active centers of worship, worship practices are practiced in Lingaraja temples. The Temple of Lingaraja is open from 6 am to 9 pm, and rest is made only for bhoga time - offering food to the gods.
Approximately 13 hours of offerings to the gods are divided into two parts, one half presented as a gift to the Sun God, and the other half to two fingers (guardian god). Within the next half hour, the god was offered Vallabha bhoga (a meal consisting of milk, cheese and vegetables). Furthermore, the consecrated food - prasadam - was sent to the Parvati shrine and placed there as an offering.
Not Indians are not allowed into this temple, but they are allowed to watch the services of the observation platform outside the temple. In this region is permitted not only for other nations, but also the faithful encountered in their lives in the previous 12 days of birth or death. Taboo is there for dogs. However, if the ban was violated by other nations, the temple held a cleansing ritual with the subsequent debit of prasadam into the well
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