Lakhesvara Siva Temple (in the 13th century AD.) Location: Latitude 20° 14′ 33″ N, Longitude 85° 50′ 17″ E, Elevation: 60 ft. Have to Approach:- The Lakhesvara Siva temple is located along the right side of the Ganges-Yamuna Road, behind the Lingaraja market complex, Old Town, of Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India.
It is 70 m northeast of Lingaraj Temple and 10 m south of Gangesvara and Yamunesvara Siva Temple on the opposite side of the road. The temple faces eastwards. Inside the temple enshrined is a Siva lingam inside a circular yoni pitha, at a lower height than chandrasila of 0.77 meters.
History of Lakhesvara Siva Temple
The Lakhesvara Siva Temple is situated in the Old Town area of the city of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Built in 13th-century times, the temple to Lord Shiva is built in typical Kalingan style. The sacred idol is a Siva lingam on a circular yoni pitha. The temple is situated by the Ganges-Yamuna road amid private residential buildings1.
Architecture of Lakhesvara Siva Temple
This temple is constructed in the Kalingan style, the rekha order, consisting of bada, gandi, and mastaka. It is situated on a low pista, which is 11.80 meters long, 5.70 meters wide, and 0.43 meters tall1. The vimana is square-shaped, and the frontal porch is in a state of renovation. The temple has some decorations, including the talagarvika at the base of a raha niche1.
Things to Do at Lakhesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
If there is anything visitors can do at the Lakhesvara Siva Temple, it is to admire its architectural beauty and history. The temple’s surroundings are used for public meetings and cultural celebrations such as Sivaratri, Sankranti, Chandana Utsav, Kartika purnima, and jalabhisheka1. The temple also draws photographers because of its ornamental carvings and peaceful surroundings.
Entry Fee and Timing of Lakhesvara Siva Mandir
Lakhesvara Siva Temple is open 24 hours a day and has no entry fee. The best approach is to visit in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding crowds and enjoying the day peacefully.
Located along the Ganges-Yamuna road and just behind the Lingaraja market complex in Old Town, Bhubaneswar, the Lakhesvara Siva Temple exists roughly 70 meters northeast of the Lingaraj Temple and 10 meters south of Gangesvara and Yamunesvara Siva temples. Access to the temple is safe and straightforward, as one can reach it through an auto-rickshaw or taxi from any part of Bhubaneswar.
Impact on Tourism and Travel in Odisha
The Lakhesvara Siva Temple is one among many other sites that contribute to the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. It helps the state’s tourism quite considerably in attracting interested visitors to the historical and architectural landmarks. It is another important site in Bhubaneswar after the Lingaraj Temple and lies on the way towards some other sites via the Ganges-Yamuna Road.
Balancing Tourism and Preservation
One of the approaches in promoting tourism in historical sites like Lakhesvara Siva Temple is to maintain a balance between preservation and tourism. One would not want to have deterioration due to the tourists visiting the temple. Preservation is maintained through planning and management of the tourism flow, especially by educating visitors on historical value and the importance of maintaining respect towards it.
Conclusion
The temple of Lakhesvara Siva stands as a testimony to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Odisha. The historical place, architecturally intricate and culturally vibrant, provides tourists and history enthusiasts alike with unforgettable experiences. And, if the balance between tourism and preservation is maintained, the temple shall remain a cherished landmark for the times to come.
