The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar and has 150 small shrines inside its huge courtyard.
James Fergusson, a noted critic and historian of 18th century rated the temple as “one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple in India”.
The temple is divided into four sections―Garbh Griha (sanctum sanctorum), Yajna Shala (the hall of yajnas), Natya Shala (hall of dance) and the Bhoga Mandap (the hall of offering).
Its main entry gate is called as the ‘Simhadwara’ or the ‘Lions’ Gate’, situated on the eastern side of the temple. The main entrance is located in the east, while there are small entrances in the north and south. The outer walls of the temple are decorated with beautiful sculptures of beasts, birds, creepers, flowers, Gods and Goddesses.
The door in the gate of the entrance porch is made of sandalwood. Each inch of the 55 m (180 ft) tall vimana tower is sculpted.
The bhogamandapa (Hall of offering) has four doors in each of the sides. The natamandira (festival hall) has one main entrance and two side entrances. The side walls of the hall has decorative sculptures displaying women and couples. It has a flat roof sloping in stages.
The jagamohana (assembly hall) entrances from south and north and has a 30 metres (98 ft) tall roof. The hall has a pyramidal roof made of up several horizontal layers as in the hall of offerings. The sanctum is square in shape from the inside. The tower walls are sculpted with female figures in different poses.