Built in the 11th 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, organization 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 11th to the 15th centuries, the temple premises united the Siva, Sakta and Vaisnava followers and fostererd 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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR K S Behera
Dr. Karuna Sagar Behera, born on 5th December, 1939 at Angul, was educated in Angul High School, Angul and Revenshaw College, Cuttack He earned M.A in History in 1960 from Utkal University with first position He obtained Post-Graduate Diploma in Archaeology from the School of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi He was awarded the Degree of Doctor of Literature by Utkal University for his study of Konarak. He joined Orssa Educational serviceman 1961 and in 1962, he was appointed as Lecturer in the Post-Graduate Department of History, Utkal University Subsequently he held the position of Reader in History and became a Professor in 1976 He has contributed to the academic life of the University as Professor and Head of the Post-Graduate Department of History, Chairman of the Post-Graduate Council, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Member of the Syndicate of the University for four years. He was the President of the on Sa History Congress, Member of the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology, Govt of India and Member of the Governing Body of the National Council of Science Museums His foreign visits include Germany, Finland, U K , Chinaand Indonesia. He has published several articles on Orson History, Culture, Art and Archaeology He is the author of Temples of Orssa, Konarak The Heritage of Mankind (2 vols.) and Sculptural Masterpieces from Orssa Style and Iconography (co-author) He has also contributed to Orssa Bibliography and Orssa Gazetteers. He is at present Professor of History, Utkal University and Director, Oscine Institute of Maritime and South-east Asian Studies in Bhubaneswar, Orissa He is currently conducting research into indigenous tradition of boat-building and navigation in the Indian Ocean.
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