Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Mukteshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar is one of the unique pilgrimages in Bhubaneswar much different from the other shrines in the city. This place is known to have a spiritual presence in every corner of the city in the form of stunning architecture that depicts the story of the bygone era. This temple was built around the 10th century and it is said to belong to the Somavamshi Dynasty. The temple is beautifully carved by Yayati I.From the early times, The Bhubaneswar Mukteshwar Temple also became a very popular religious spot in Odisha. The main reason why tourists are largely attracted to this site is its architectural beauty. The brilliant structure symbolizes the creative Kalinga Style of architecture. You can easily summarize this place to be the jewel of Bhubaneswar. Here are some of the important details you must know before visiting this ancient temple.
Important Details
Location: Odisha, India
Type: Kalinga Architecture
Timing: 7:00am-7:00pm
Established: 950-975 CE
Best time to visit:
History and Architecture of Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Mukteshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar was constructed in the 10th century with a revolutionary and unique temple architecture plan. This temple is said to be one of the earliest marvels that was built in the Somavamshi Dynasty. The tourists visiting this place are often spellbound by the great details of the temple structure. Legends have it, that the temple was carved out by the Yayati l before the Brahmeswara temple and after the Parashurameshvara Temple. The architecture used in this temple is much different from the Kalinga style of architecture.Porch
This is considered one of the best features of the temple for all the right reasons. In the Mukteshwar Temple, Torana or the arched gateway was built in the 900 CE, with great influence to the Buddhist architecture. If you love to explore the ancient architecture, then you will greatly admire the huge structure of the entrance gate of this temple. The most interesting feature of this porch is that the pillars are ornamented with smiling women. Any individual will admire the beautiful architecture of the porch; the designs of this structure are skillfully done to provide dignity to the building of small height.Vimana
The structure of the temple in Bhubaneswar has some similarities, and the Vimana is the kind of structure that you will find in a few other famous structures in the city. The Vimana is a square structure built in a raised platform with a small shikara, the presence of this structure has four Natarajas and it looks brilliant on the four faces of Kirthimukhas. The top portion of this structure is beautifully ornamented with architectural patterns and sculpted figures.Sanctum
The sanctum of this temple is nicely structured and it greatly depicts feminine charm. This portion of the temple is said to be an important part entwined with nagas and naginis, this incredible structure is cubical from inside with an offset wall in the outside of the temple.Jagamohana
There is nothing better than exploring the Jagamohana of this temple. The structure is around 35 m (115ft) tall. The intricate carvings are said to be done by the famous sculptor called Vishwakarma Moharana. His creative mind and magical hands have created gems carved out of stones. This structure greatly depicts the signature style of the temples built in Bhubaneswar; tourists are attracted from around the world to explore this brilliant architectural beauty.Others Carvings and Structures
Some of the other carvings and structures of this place are also worth exploring. Some of them are as follows:• The ninth planet of the Hindu Mythology is regarded as Ketu (three hooded snakes), and the doorway to the inner sanctum consists of the image of Ketu.
• The temple also has a tank on the eastern side of the temple with a well in the south-western part. People also have some strong belief about the temple and states that a dip in the Marichi Kunda can cure infertility in women.
• You will also find many other shrines in the complex with the lingam inside, people have equal faith and worship the idol with equal importance.
• The doorway is considered as the most important part as the huge structure is found ornamented with carvings and sculptures.
Muktesvara Dance Festival
Apart from the beauty of the sculptures, this temple also dedicates some time to focus on representing art in the form of the Mukteshwar Dance Festival. It’s a three-day festival and it is celebrated in the temple every year in January and February. The people celebrate this festival with an Odissi form of dance done by the natives and famous artists of the city. You will also love this dance performance when it is coupled with some original music form.Religious Importance
This temple also has religious importance and the name Mukteshwar means ‘’Lord of freedom’’. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The sculptures of this temple radiate with a spiritual vibe and it is also a reason why tourists are greatly attracted to this location. Apart from all the religious and traditional addition of the place, the temple has an easy transportation route as well.How to Reach Bhubaneswar Mukteshwar Temple?
By Air:
When it comes to airways, you will find the Biju Patnaik International airport in Bhubaneswar to be the closest to the temple. You will be able to cover the journey of 3m (1.8 miles) easily because it’s well-connected to all the major cities like Kolkata, Bangalore, and New Delhi, etc.
By Rail:
This city has around five railway stations and most of them are very close to the temple. You will find the railway station to be well-connected with major cities like Guwahati, Howrah, Kharagpur, etc.
By Road:
The roadways are also considered as the easiest way to the temple, and it’s well-connected with most of the neighboring states like Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, etc. There are buses available from Odisha to all the surrounding places.