Mukteswar Temple

Torana Decoration of Mukteswar Temple

When the pyramidal roof of The Muktesvara Temple ascends, the steps of the pyramidal roof recede. The temple is covered in amlaka. The pilasters on the northern and southern sides of the Badas each have a square-shaped perforated window. The parts of the roof above the windows rise in two levels with the pidhas (steps) and are topped with lion sculptures. Gaja-simha and Nagacolumns are shown in the recesses between the pilasters. The Torana (gate) is a distinct feature of Mhktesvara's temple. It is in front of the Jagamohana.
The pillars' basements include a tiny shrine with twin Gaja-simha statues at the summit of each face. Each of the sixteen-sided shafts is made up of four stone blocks, with Kirtti-mukhas at the head. Vedika, Amlaka, and a spreading lotus capital are imposed on the topmost blocks, with a pair of lovely female figures on each sides. In the Torana of Muktesvara, each arch has a projecting Makara-mukha, which is particularly different.

Architecture and Design Features

One of the main reasons Mukteshvara Temple is considered as the "Gem of Odisha architecture" is because of its architecture. The temple is built in a lower basement among a group of temples and faces west. The temple's jagamohana has a pyramidal roof, which was the first of its kind over the traditional two-tier structure. In comparison to other larger temples in Bhubaneswar, the temple is quite tiny. The temples are surrounded by an octagonal compound wall with beautiful decorations.It is thought that the temple's experiment with a modern pattern reached a mature stage in comparison to its predecessors, resulting in the commencement of duplication of similar patterns in following temples in the city. The temple includes a torana porch that serves as the entrance to the octagonal compound. The vimana (building above the sanctuary) and the mukhasala (leading hall), both of which are built on a raised platform, make up the temple. The temple is one of the first to be constructed in the pithadeula architecture.

Porch

Torana of Mukteswar Temple

The torana, or arched entryway, is the most prominent feature of the Mukteshvara Temple, originating from around 900 CE and displaying Buddhist influences. The strong pillars of the arched entryway are carved with strings of beads and other decorations on sculptures of smiling women in languorous repose. The porch is a walled chamber with an internal pillared structure and a low, large roof. The skillfully organized mixture of vertical and horizontal lines gives dignity to structures of intermediate height. This temple sampling location the early astylar form of the temple.The sculptures on the entrance range from ornate scrolls to lovely female shapes, as well as monkey and peacock figures. The design of the front and back of the arch is identical.

Vimana

The Vimana is built on an elevated platform with pilasters on each front and has a square plan. The shikara is small in comparison to other temples; it has four Natarajas on each of its four faces, as well as four kirthimukhas. The kalasa is located on the top of the shikara. The shikara stands 10.5 metres (34 feet) tall, with artistic patterns, architectural patterns, and sculpted figures decorating every inch. Later Odishan temples included a unique type of decoration known as bho, which was perhaps originated here. It's a chaitya window with a masked demon head and dwarf figures above.

Sanctum

Beautiful damsels displaying feminine charms linked with nagas and naginis adorn the sanctum. From the interior, the sanctuary is cubical, with offset walls on the outside.

Jagamohana

This unique 10th-century temple is one of the shortest and most compact temples in the area. The jagamohana stands 35 metres tall (115 feet). The Vishwakarma Moharana sculptors have embellished it with beautiful decorations. The temple is recognized as a masterpiece of Nagara architecture in Kalinga. It is the earliest example of what can be called true Odisha temple type; a vimana with a curve linear spire and a jaganmohana with a stepped pyramidal roof, save for the rectangular plan of its jagamohana. The red sandstone of the temple is adorned with intricate sculptures of lean sadhus (holy men) and voluptuous women decked with gemstones.Next to Chanda and Prachanda are carved figures of Ganga and Yamuna. In front of the jagamohana, the torana is present. On the doorway of the jagamohana, there is a sculpture of Lakulisa seated in bhumispara-mudra and clutching a lakuta. The edifice also includes carved sculptures of Gajalakshmi, Rahu, and Ketu. The depiction of a lion sitting on its hind legs may be seen on a tiny expansion from the jagamohana's side roof. The structure's outer walls are adorned with nagas and naginis pillars.

Others

The picture of Ketu with three hooded snakes, usually regarded as the ninth planet in Hindu mythology, may be found over the gateway to the inner sanctum. A tank can be found on the temple's eastern side, while a well can be found on the temple's south-western corner. Women who take a plunge in the MarichiKunda are said to be cured of infertility. There are more shrines with lingams inside the temple complex that were used as offering shrines. The temple's doorway is elaborate. The temple is surrounded by a modest compound wall that follows the temple's forms. Sculptures can be found both within and outside the temple. The temple is separated from the rest of the compound by a narrow passage.

Deity

Mukteshwara (Shiva)

	Religious Activities
	Daily Routine	Open all day 7am–7pm

Celebration/Festivals

Odisha Tourism's Mukteswar Dance Festival is a popular event. Every year, from the 14th to the 16th of January, the festival takes place. Every year, the festival is graced by the doyens of Indian Classical Dance and draws large crowds. The beautiful movements and symphony of music set against the beautiful temple provide a fascinating experience. There is no charge to attend the festival.

Visitor Guide

AIRWAYS:

The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, also known as Bhubaneswar Airport. It's only 3 kilometres from the temple. It is well-connected to India's major cities, including Bangalore, Kolkata, and New Delhi.

RAILWAYS:

Bhubaneswar has five railway stations, the nearest of which is Bhubaneswar Railway Station. Many cities, including Kharagpur, Guwahati, and Howrah, are connected to it.

ROADWAYS:

All of the neighbouring states, including Jharkhand and Chattisgarh, are well-connected by road to Bhubaneswar. The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation runs buses to all of these locations (OSRTC).

Nearby Temples

Nearby Tourist Places

Parasurameswar Temple

This temple, established during the reign of the Shailodbhava dynasty in the 7th century AD, is widely recognised as the temple where the evolution of Odisha Temple Architecture commenced. It is one of the state's best-preserved temples.

Rajarani Temple

Rajarani temple is a beautiful symphony of skilled design, symmetry of form, and beautiful craftsmanship, set in scenic environs. It's no coincidence that it's considered an Odisha Temple Architecture masterpiece. Historians believe it was devoted to Lord Shiva and was called Indresvara Temple.

Ananta Basudeva Temple

This magnificent temple on the bank of Bindu Sagar Lake, built in the 13th century AD, generally follows the pattern and structural form of the Lingaraj temple, save for the carvings that depict Vaishnavism. Aside from its architectural attractiveness, this temple is unusual in that it is Bhubaneswar's sole temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Lingaraj Temple

The impressive temple, which stands 180 feet tall, inspires awe and respect in its visitors. It was constructed in the 11th century AD. James Fergusson, a famous critic and historian, has called the temple "one of the greatest instances of fully Hindu temple in India" (1808-1886). The temple represents the pinnacle of temple construction in Bhubaneswar, the birthplace of the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture. There are 150 subsidiary shrines in the large temple complex.

Odisha State Museum

The Odisha State Museum, was opened in 1932, is the state's major museum. It is a resource that provides a glimpse into Odisha's history across the centuries.