Odisha to give facelift to 11th century Lingaraj Temple
Why is it in News?
- The Odisha government announced to give a facelift to the 11th century Lingaraj Temple.
Lingaraja Temple:
- Lingaraj Temple, built in 11th century, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- The central tower of the temple is 180 ft (55 m) tall.
- The temple represents the style of the Kalinga architecture.
- Lingaraj Temple was built by the King Jajati Keshari, who belonged to Soma Vansh.
- The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components namely, vimana (structure containing the sanctum), jagamohana (assembly hall), natamandira (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings).
- Erected in red sandstone, Lingraj Temple has the stone of the darkest shade.
- Lingaraja temple is maintained by the Temple Trust Board and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- It is said that when construction of Lingaraj Temple was about to be completed, Jagannath culture started growing in Odisha. Hence, the presiding deity here is known as Hari-Hara; Hari denotes Lord Vishnu and Hara meaning Lord Shiva.