The Gudimallam linga,
the earliest known depiction of Shiva in this form, depicts him as both male
and female, transcending the most fundamental defining characteristic of human
identity.
The most prominent and largest of the temples in
Bhubaneshvar, dedicated to the deity Shiva as Tribhuvaneshvar, the "Lord
of the Three Worlds." The temple was constructed in the eleventh century
C.E., and it represents the pinnacle of the Nagara architectural style's
Orissan branch.
With shorter auxiliary structures running up to it, the
temple construction culminates in a single, high peak point above the image of
the temple's major deity.
The Lingaraja temple has all of the components of Orissan
architecture, including a 120-foot-high beehive-shaped tower (deul), a dancing
hall (natamandira), an entry hall (jagamohan), and an outside entrance hall
(bhogamandapa).
Discover more about Hindu Art, Architecture, and Iconography here.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
