From  6th century A.D. to 11th century A.D., Bhubaneswar became an important centre of temple building activities. It also gained fame as a Saivakshetra with Lord Lingaraja or Bhubaneswar, after whom the place has been named.The gigantic temples of Lord Lingaraja, dominates the masses of temples situated in this capital city of Orissa. It should be noted that Bhubaneswar was credited with some thousands of temples in the past. But now, some 500 or some more are there in the condition to be appreciated as temples. Among them a group of thirty temples are well preserved and attracts the attention of visitors for their superb architectural and sculptural designs. Hence Bhubaneswar has attained the fame as the ‘Temple City of India’. As a Saivakshetra it is found mentioned in the Ekamrapurana as Ekamrakshetra. Among the temples of Bhubaneswar, notworthy specimens are, the Lingaraja, Mukteswar, Rajarani, Vaitala and Brahmeswar, etc.

Lingaraj Temple:- The Lingaraj Temple, having a gigantic structure and a lofty tower called sikhara is described by the  art historians as the truest fusion of dream and reality on stone. The temple is dated to 11th century A.D. and the credit of its construction goes to King Jayati Keshari of Somavamsi dynasty. It is indeed a rare masterpiece and can be counted as the finest example of the Hindu temples of India. A look at the temple would prompt one to conclude that the climax of the architectural movement of Orissa was attained in the construction of this magnificent piece of artistic expression on stone. So, it is not only the fine example of temples of Orissa, but ranks as one of the foremost architectural productions of the country.

The Lingaraj Temple, rising to a great height of about 180 feet from its base and dominating the entire land scape with an area of about 10 miles, consists of the four structures. They are Vimana or sanctum sancturium which is locally called Deula having a spiral roof; the Jagamohan or the prayer hall, which is a pyramidal roofed structure; Natamandira - dancing hall and Bhogamandapa - the hall of offerings. Originally the temple had two compartments namely Deula and Jagamohana. But the other two halls - Natamandira and Bhogamandapa - were added later on, probably after a century or so.

The most impressive features of the temple is the great tower or spire (sikhara) as it dominates not only the entire composition, but the whole town of Bhubaneswar with its majestic height and massive volumes. The spire or tower of the temple rises in a vertical sweep with miniature temples forming part of the spires but not dominating its surface.

The temple, though built for the worship of Lord Shiva, has many aspects of Vishnu worship. In fact, it contains the finest example of Hari-hara worship which means the combined worship of Vishnu and Siva. It is a Hindu custom of placing the image of Nandi or Garuda on a column before the Siva or Vishnu temple. But lingaraja temple has Garuda instead of Nandi in the front of its main door. In this way, Lingaraj temple exhibits a very sound and comfortable synthesis between two main sects of Hinduism. Another example of sectarian tolerance comes from the existence of this great temple in a complex, inside which a number of temples dedicated to various deities of Hindu pantheon are situated. Famous among these deities are Parvati, the consort of Shiva and their son Ganesha etc.

The entire temple complex was surrounded by massive stone wall. The interior and exterior walls of the temple are carved with sculptural pieces describing various positions of human and non-human behavior, attitude and emotion.