Lingaraj Mandir

After the morning of exploring solo finally the girls Sai and Saswati met me at Kedar Gauri mandir. They immediately swept me up to go to Lingaraj temple in time for bhog and Mahaprasad. 

We had to deposit our phones at the chappal stand so here is the only picture at the gate of Lingaraj. Lingaraj mandir complex is awe inspiring to say the least! It has the main temple of Shiv. The ling is 22 haat/ hand length diameter and 8 haat length of straight. It is the largest ling in the world. The center stone is the head of Vishnu. So Lingaraj is ‘Hari Har’ (Vishnu and  Shiv).

This temple was first built in 6th Century and other temples were added till 11 century by various kings from the Somvanshi dynasty and the Ganga dynasty. Before this temple was built this ling was under a Mango tree it is mentioned as EkAmra kshetra in the Puranas. The temple is built in Kalinga style. There are 108 temples around the main temple. Each temple a replica of Shiv temples from across India. So you have Kashishwar, Rameshwar etc here. In modern reference we can call it a Shaiva kshetra theme park! The elaborate sculptures and their sizes are mind blowing. You start wondering how anyone could climb up midway to the height of 280 ft to sculpt the huge figures. Stairs have now been made for devotees to reach these perches. The dhwaja or temple flag is mounted on Shiv dhanush Pinak. 

There is kalpataru near the main temple which we circled. It is said to be surviving since a 1000 yrs. 

Later we ate a steaming hot Mahaprasad in the spaces between temples served on a patravali. The flavours were amazing! It had santula, dalma, Besara, pachadi, khata, kheer and heap of rice! All for a princely ₹100. I was stuffed to the gills. We came out of the temple took a picture at the gate after collecting our shoes and mobiles. 

This is the only picture I have to show you. If you need to believe how mind blowing Lingaraj temple is you need to haul yourself here. Entry Only for Hindus. Rest can view the temple exteriors from a platform made in 1916 for Lord Curzon to view when he was viceroy. 

We were are actually so full that we needed to rest and what better place than the Bindusagar lake next to Lingaraj. It is believed the Saraswati or the underground river in the Lingaraj temple fills this reservoir. It was a perfect respite after the delicious holy meal. The icebreaker conversations happened here. 

When you meet Sai @mycookingcanvas her calmness rubs on to you. The next moment @saswati_gypsytraveller Saswati’s cute and joyful banter makes you burst into a laugh. On the ghats of Bindu Sagar we made connections of the heart. Anant Vasudev in the background. Sai Priya and Saswati are gems added to my sisterhood. ❤️❤️

📸 Sai Priya @mycookingcanvas