Lingaraja Temple of Bhubaneswar : Art and Cultural Legacy

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Bhubaneswar in historical perspective. 2. The main temple complex of Lingaraja. 3. Architectural features. 4. Sculptural features and cult images. 5. Subsidiary shrines and structures. 6. Lord Lingaraja, mode of worship, daily ceremonies and festivals. 7. Functionaries and management. 8. Conservation of the temple. 9. Conclusion. Appendices: i. Ekamra Ksetra Mahatmya in the Brahma Purana. ii. Lingaraja temple inscriptions. iii. Chronology of important temples at Bhubaneswar. iv. List of protected and unprotected monuments in Bhubaneswar. v. Genealogy of the Somavamsi dynasty. vi. Agreement between the trustees of the Lingaraja Temple and Superintendent of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India, Eastern Circle, Calcutta, on February 10, 1958. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.

"Built in the 11 century, the temple of Lingaraja in Bhubaneswar is acclaimed as one of the finest temples of India. With its construction the Orissan temple style reached its mature phase and set the model for later temples to follow. The book, for the first time, makes an indepth study of the temple in all its aspects such as its history, architecture, sculpture, mode of worship, festivals, organisation of services, etc. to understand the temple in its totality. The architectural features and religious aspects are described in the light of Orissan architectural lore and Ksetra Mahatmyas of Bhubaneswar.

Originally conceived as a Siva temple, in course of time, it was transformed into a temple for both Siva and Visnu. With perhaps the largest concentration of temples, ranging from the 11 to the 15 centuries, the temple premises united the Saiva, Sakta and Vaisnava followers and fostered a spirit of harmony in the religious life of Orissa.

The comprehensive study, lavishly illustrated, is expected to provide new insights into the appreciation of this great temple and its various aspects." (jacket)