Mukteswara Temple - Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar - Khordha, India

This is beautiful temple in the bhubaneswar city. Architecture design and monuments are immemrable. This temple is very calm and peaceful. One can spend sometime with friends and family. This is spiritually devoted place.

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. K.C. Panigrahi places the temple to be built during 966 CE and postulates that the Somavamshi king Yayati I built the temple.

Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar Built in the 10th Century, this shrine is considered as a 'Gem of Odisha' for its splendid architecture, exquisite sculpture work and intricate carvings. Dedicated to the Almighty Lord Shiva, this temple boasts of the Kalinga architectural style. Entirely made out of red sandstone, this 35-feet temple is famous especially for its elaborately decorated arched-shaped gateway (locally known as Torana). The intricate and exquisite carvings on the arch is simply mesmerizing and is a testimony to the skilled craftsmanship of that period. According to the legends, this temple was built by King Yayati I of the Somavamshi Dynasty. The temple, built in Kalinga architectural style, has a height of approximately 35 feet. It is considered as 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 unique influence of Buddhist architecture, is flanked by two pillars featuring carvings of smiling women wearing beads and ornaments. The temple's 'vimana' has a square shape with a raised platform with pilasters on the facades. Its 'shikara', 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.

It was beautiful and Artistic beauty. It has both the temple of Mukteshwar and Siddheshwar Temples. The Temple is still well preserved with the beautiful stone works at its finest example.

The Gem of temples, pearl of Odisha architecture, "Mukteswar temple". When you see the carving on the walls of this temple you will be surprised that how it would be possible at that time. Such a charming place. Come and see the beauty of Odisha. It is in temple city Bhubaneswar. So many temples are here and all are mentioned in the pic of map below. Main attractions are 1.Mukteswar temple 2.Parshurameswar temple 3.Siddheswar temple 4.Kedar-gouri temple

A serene place to connect with the divine. The temple architecture is eye catching. No ticket is needed and the temple is not very crowded. You can sit in the garden or sit along the pond.

You don't go out the way you came in. When you are there for the first time, it makes great sense to take a guide. Mukteswara needs time; time to sit and think... you can feel the energy here..

Mukteshwara temple is one such place where one can feel the vibes just by looking at the architectural design and the way it's been built! The time when we visited this temple was not so crowded we got a chance to sit inside the temple for a while which was peaceful and also got to click some good pictures!