The 10th or 11th-century Lingaraja temple of Bhubaneswar has been described as the truest fusion of dream and reality. A rare masterpiece, the Lingaraja temple has been rated one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple in India by Ferguson, the noted art critic and historian. Every inch of the surface of the 55 m‑high Lingaraja temple is covered with elaborate carvings. Sculpture and architecture fused elegantly to create a perfect harmony. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside. However there is an elevated viewing platform next to one of the boundary walls. To reach the platform, face the temple’s main entrance and walk around to the right. There is a laneway leading to the back of the temple and the platform. Photography is prohibited inside the temple complex, the platform offers a good vantage point to photograph the temple. Near the temple is ”’Bindu Sarovara”’, a large lake that is reputed to have a drop of water each from every holy river of India.