Situated in the town of Puri, Orrisa, Lokanatha temple is a famous temple deicated to Lord Shiva. The temple lies close to Jagannath temple. The temple was established in the 11th century. It is believed that the Lingam in the temple was established by Lord Rama.

Location Odisha, Puri, Bhubaneswar

Legend

As per ancient legend, Shree Rama worshiped Lord Shiva here before He headed to Sri Lanka to get back His wife Sita, taken away by Rakshasa raj Raavana. But when He reached the place, the Sabara tribal people offered Him a Lau (a local vegetable like pumpkin). Shree Ram gave it a shape of a Shiva Linga and worshipped the Almighty to empower him with strength and blessings before He left for the battle. From that day onwards the Shiva Linga is also called as 'Laukanatha'. Later on, the name Lokenatha was given to the deity.

Architecture

The edifice is divided in four parts such as the Vimana, Jagamohana, Natamandapa and the Bhogamandapa. Mainly the temple is built by sandstones. The Vimana or the main temple is 30 feet from the ground. Majority of the temple is covered by marbles and no such detailed architectural significances are seen here. There is an image of Shiva and Shakti on the northern side of the wall and the eastern and the southern walls have images of Lord Karthikeya and Shree Ganesha.

Culture

The rich culture of Puri reflects the true spirit of the Odisha Society. Puri, the temple town of the state is the pious place where the Jagannath cult and the different other Indian cults, especially Vaishnavism are synthesizing. Besides the strong religious aspects, the temples of Puri are the assets of India that tells us the long lost century old stories. Pilgrims from other states and abroad visit the Shreekhetra all throughout the year and especially during the Ratha Yatra festival, Nabakalebar (executed in every 12 years), Chandana Snana and for different other religious zests.

The second most striking thing of their culture to witness is the enriched art. The art and crafts of Puri district is simply breathtaking. Catching a glimpse of the hand loom silk and cotton sarees to the pipli handicrafts can be an enticing exploration.

When it comes to performing art, Odisha has set its benchmark with the famous Odissi dance.  The gala dance celebration at the Sun Temple of Konark is worth mentioning in this regard. Every year the Konark Dance Festival is attended by many dance lovers across the country and the world to witness the hallmark performing art at the awe-inspiring shrine.

Darsan Info

Sri Lokanath Temple is open from 5.00 A.M - 12.00 P.M and 4.00 P.M - 9.00 P.M

Darsan Dresscode

Modest and traditional clothing

Temple Rituals

Regular pooja by offering akanda flower, bilva patra and sandal paste.

Special Rituals

Pankoddhar Ekadashi is specially observed by the devotees three days before the Maha Shivratri Pujan when the Shiva Lingam comes out of the water. For the rest of the year the lingam of Shiva Maheshwar remains submerged into the water. It is believed that a stream of Ganga water keeps the lingam submerged until Maha Shivratri.

Additional Info

 

Eateries near Sri Lokanath Temple :-

Odissi Restaurant

Chung Wah Restaurant

Xanadu Restaurant

Wildgrass Restaurant

The Gajapati