The lingam is only revealed to the public once every year during the day of Pankajoddhara Ekadashi.
Legend claims the lingam was placed by Lord Rama, and the temple was consecrated by the sage Vashistha.
A natural underground water spring is the source of the water that permanently keeps the deity submerged.
The temple is considered one of the 'Pancha Linga' or five Shiva temples of Puri.
Devotees believe that a flower offered to the deity at the Lokanatha Temple is effectively equivalent to an offering made at the main Jagannath Temple.
Lokanatha Temple is a historic Shiva temple located in Puri, Odisha, distinguished by its unique lingam which remains submerged in water throughout the year. The primary deity is Lokanatha, believed to have been installed by Lord Rama during his search for Sita. A drainage system keeps the lingam covered in water, which is only removed once a year during the Pankajoddhara Ekadashi festival. The temple is built using laterite stone and adheres to the traditional Kalinga architectural style. It is considered a significant pilgrimage site, specifically linked to the nearby Jagannath Temple through various mythological narratives. The main temple complex is surrounded by an enclosed courtyard featuring smaller subsidiary shrines. The deity is traditionally associated with the curing of diseases, drawing many devotees seeking healing.
The entrance gate and the temple complex courtyard provide the best views for photography.
Check the lunar calendar for the date of Pankajoddhara Ekadashi if you wish to see the lingam revealed.
Carry a container if you wish to collect the sacred water from the temple tank.
Visit during the early morning to avoid the heaviest crowds of local pilgrims.
Do not leave shoes unattended outside designated areas; use the official shoe racks. Avoid visiting during the height of the monsoon if you prefer to avoid muddy pathways.
The inner sanctum's lingam is uniquely accessible for direct viewing only once per year during Pankajoddhara Ekadashi.
Conservative dress is mandatory; shoulders and knees must be covered. Remove footwear before entering the temple complex. Photography is generally prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum.
