Lingaraja Temple - Odisha

Lingaraja Temple is built by Jajati Keshari in 11th century in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The significance is self-originated Lingam. One can easily reach Lingaraj Temple by taking local buses or by hiring Taxis from the city of Bhubaneshwar.

The term 'Lingaraj' suggests 'the king of Lingas', where 'linga' is the phallic form of Lord Shiva .
The remarkable structure of the temple gives the tint of Kalinga style of architecture. The aesthetic sculptures look at their apex in this architectural exhibition. Erected in red sandstone, Lingraj Temple has the stone of the darkest shade. The huge temple complex covers the vast lands of Bhubaneshwar in a stretch. The tall spire of the temple extends to the height of 55 meters and literally, dominates the skyline of Bhubaneshwar. The spacious courtyard comprises 50 small shrines that are dedicated to several Gods of the Hindu pantheon.

The temple  is the biggest and finest temple of Odisha.
Jagara or Shiva Ratri or the night of Shiva is a festival held in honour of the God.
It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Harihara, another name for Shiva and
  a revered pilgrimage center and the capital of the state of Odisha.
The temple is more than 1000 years old, dating back in its present form to the last decade of the eleventh century, though there is evidence that parts of the temple have been there since sixth century AD as the temple has been emphasized in some of the seventh century Sanskrit texts. This is testimony to its sanctity and importance as a Shiva shrine. By the time the Lingaraj temple was constructed, the Jagannath (form of Vishnu) cult had been growing, which historians believe is evidenced by the co-existence of Vishnu and Shiva worship at the temple.The Lingaraj temple stands majestically as the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. At 55 metres high, it dominates the landscape with 150 smaller shrines in its spacious courtyard and is surrounded by massive walls lavishly decorated with beautiful sculptures.

This magnificent temple, dedicated to Shiva, represents the quintessence of the Kalinga type of Hindu architecture. Along with the Raja-Rani Temple, it is the pinnacle of the architectural exhibition at Bhubaneswar. It contains a profusion of sculptural work. It is built of red sandstone which gives it a darkest color.