Mukteshwara Temple
Built around 950 A.D., the Mukteswara Temple is often referred to as a miniature gem of Odishan architecture. Its design marks a transition point between the early and later phases of the Kalinga School of Architecture. Due to this, many historians call this temple a harbinger of a new culture. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva, whose shrines have been installed here.
The latticed windows of the Jagamohana (porch) resemble those of the Parsurameswar Temple in the city. A highlight of the temple is the sculptures, such as those around the windows of the jagamohana that depict monkeys engaged in humorous scenes from the ancient Indian stories of Panchatantra. Since the temple is relatively small in size, 35 ft high at the pinnacle of the tower, it becomes evident that it is an old structure as by that time Odishan builders hadn't attempted to build larger temples.
History of Mukteswara Temple
According to the legends, this temple was built by King Yayati I of the Somavamshi Dynasty – a dynasty that is credited with having built various majestic shrines in Bhubaneswar, which is fondly called the Temple City of India.
Architecture of Mukteswara Temple
The temple, built in Kalinga architectural style, has a height of approximately 35 feet. It is considered a ‘Gem of Odisha’ for its elaborate architecture that comprises intricate carvings, diamond-shaped windows featuring lattice design, and sculptures of characters from the popular tales of Panchatantra.
Surrounded by an octagonal compound wall featuring intricate carvings, the temple is believed to have been built with a somewhat new pattern that was a development from its predecessors, something that went on to be replicated in the architecture of temples in the city, built later.
The entrance to the temple has a spectacular arched-shaped gateway (Torana). It is among the few temples in the city that have been constructed in the Pitha Deula style, meaning the building has a square shape with the roof having a pyramid shape. This style is one of the distinct temple styles from Kalinga architecture, the others being Rekha Deula and Khakhara Deula.
The arched gateway, which shows the unique influence of Buddhist architecture, is flanked by two pillars featuring carvings of smiling women wearing beads and ornaments. It is further decorated with sculptures featuring elaborate scrolls and female forms, along with carvings of peacocks and monkeys.
The temple’s ‘vimana’ has a square shape with a raised platform with pilasters on the façades. Its ‘shikhara’, which is about 34 feet, is decorated with carvings of four ‘natrajas’ with ‘kirthimukhas’. The inner sanctum of the temple has a doorway with an image of Ketu with three hooded snakes.
There is a tank called Marichi Kunda inside the temple premises towards the eastern side while a well can be found towards its south-west corner. As per legends, a dip in Marichi Kund can cure infertility in females. Besides the main temple, there are other additional shrines on the premises featuring Shiva Lingas.
How to reach Mukteswara Temple?
The distance between the Biju Patnaik International Airport and the temple is around 4.5 km. It takes approximately 13 minutes to reach here by availing taxi and auto-rickshaw services. The Bhubaneswar airport is well connected to different cities of the country.
On the other hand, the Bhubaneswar Railway Station is about 4.4 km away from Mukteswara Temple and can be easily reached by taking an auto-rickshaw or taxi. Tourists can also hop onto Mo Bus - the local transport bus service - to reach this place with ease. The Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the main station of the city and receives trains from across the country, daily. For a hassle-free trip, one can also book a private cab from a car rental company in Bhubaneswar to reach the temple.
