Mukteswara Temple

Introduction to Mukteswara Temple

The Mukteswara Temple is dedicated to its presiding deity Shiva in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Its history dates back to the early 10th century. Being a major tourist spot, it attracts people from all over the world. Devotees worship Mukteswar, the god of salvation, here. The Rajarani temple and Lingaraj temple are other significant attractions in Bhubaneswar.

The History of Mukteswara Temple

The Mukteswara Temple was built in the 10th Century AD by King Yayati I of the Somavamsi Dynasty. In the Somavamsi period, many majestic temples were constructed in Bhubaneswar, the temple city of India. Mukteswara Temple is the successor temple of Parasurameswara Temple. It was built before the Brahmeshwara Temple.

The Architecture of Mukteswara Temple

The Mukteswara Temple is known as the ‘Gem of Odisha’ for its excellent architecture. It features a blend of modern and ancient Kalinga architectural styles. This 35-ft temple is built of red sandstone and faces the West. The temple lies in a lower basement amidst a group of shrines. The external compound wall has various sculpted deities like Saraswati and Ganesha.

The Mukteswara Temple has a Torana (porch), Vimana (sanctum), and Jagamohana (assembly hall). Visitors can witness the Pidha Deula style in the temple's architecture. The pyramidal roof of the Jagamohana is over the conventional two-tier structure. Visitors can see the image of Lakulisa, seated in Bhumispara-mudra and holding a lakuta on the beam of the Jagamohana. One can also witness the sculpted images of Gajalakshmi, Rahu, and Ketu in the structure. Images of Nagas and Naginis decorate the exterior walls of the Jagamohana.
The magnificent Torana, the decorative arched gateway, is the Mukteswara Temple's highlight. It indicates the influence of Buddhist architecture. Two thick pillars are on either side of the decorative arched gateway. The pillars bear the carvings with strings of beads. The gateway features smiling women statues with attractive ornaments in casual postures. Unique sculptures like lean sadhus, playful monkeys, peacocks, and illustrations from the Panchatantra are on the outer face of latticed windows.

The Vimana has a square base built on a raised platform. It is in the Pancha Ratha style and is surrounded by five divisional walls. The 34-foot tall Shikara has four Kirthimukhas and four Nataraja sculptures on its four faces. An array of miniature towers surrounds it. On the doorway of the inner sanctum, visitors can witness the carved image of the planet Ketu with three hooded snakes. In the temple's precinct, one can find a well and tank. The temple complex houses other shrines also.
Visitors can see the Siddheswar Temple in the north-west corner of the Mukteswar Temple.

Festivals in the Mukteswara Temple

The Department of Tourism of the Odisha State Government organizes a three-day dance show here annually. Visitors across the country take part in the Mukteswar Dance Festival. It features famous Odissi dancers. Mardal musical instrument supports the dance show. This mega event falls between January 14 and January 16 every year.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Mukteswara Temple

People believe that women who take a dip in the temple's well will be blessed with male progeny. Even childless women may be blessed with progeny if they take a dip here the night before the Ashok Ashtami car festival. The Mukteswara Temple also sells holy water in the evening.