Mukteshwara Temple is a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The temple dates back to 950–975 CE and is a monument of importance in the study of the development of Hindu temples in Odisha. The stylistic development of the Mukteswara marks the culmination of all earlier developments and initiates a period of experiment which continues for an entire century, as seen in such temples as the Rajarani Temple and Lingaraj temple, both located in Bhubaneswar. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions of the city.
The Jagamohana or the entrance merges seamlessly with the sanctum sanctorum. One can see the images of Lakulisa the saint who propagated the pashupata sect of Shaivism in the state during the 6th century AD. One can also see depictions of emaciated hermits or ascetics in meditative poses in the outer walls of the temple. One interesting carving depicts a woman writing a letter. Though innocuous, the carving gives an insight that woman did have a standing in the society during those days.
The Mukteshvara Temple is found to be the earliest work from the Somavamshi period. Most scholars believe the temple is the successor to Parashurameshvara Temple and built earlier to the Brahmeswara Temple (1060 CE). Percy Brown puts the date of construction of the temple to 950 CE. The presence of a Torana, which is not part of any other temple in the region, makes this temple unique and some of the representations indicate the builders were starters of a new culture.
Torana or the arched gate
The signature of the temple is the Torana or the arched gate which is one of the most photographed architectural structure in India if not the world. The exquisitely carved pillars of the arched gate leaves tourists and visitors awestruck with its matchless precision and skill.
Architecture
This temple is built in Kalinga architecture.
Legend / Local stories
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Festivals
The Mukteswar Dance Festival organized by Odisha Tourism is a big draw. The event is held each year from 14th Jan to 16th Jan. The festival has been graced by the doyen’s of Indian Classical Dance and draws huge crowds each year. The graceful moves, the symphony of music against the backdrop of the magnificent temple makes for a mesmerzing experience. There is no entry fee attached to the festival.
Photo Gallery
How to Reach:
By Air
Bhubaneshwar is well linked by air to Delhi, Chennai, Varanasi, Nagpur, Calcutta, and Vishakhapatnam on daily basis flights by Indian Airlines. The Biju Pattnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar provides daily connections to Kolkata and Delhi. Indian, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, and Air Decan are the domestic airlines also flying to Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The airport is 4 km from the town center. Superfast trains connect Bhubaneswar to major cities of India.
By Train
A major railhead on the East Coast Railway, it has fast and super-fast train links to Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and other important centres of the country as well as within the state. The station is located in the center of town.
By Road
Bhubaneswar is well linked to the rest of India by the National Highways. The New Bus Stand in Bhubaneswar is on NH16, at Baramunda, about 6 km from the Town center.
Address
Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751019