Mukteswar Temple- History, Timings, Architecture, and Many More!
Mukteswar Temple holds the most intriguing and unformidable thread with Bhubaneswar, a must-see tourist destination is the famous Mukteswar Temple. This shrine, which dates back to the 10th century, is known as a “Gem of Odisha” for its magnificent architecture, superb sculpture, and complex carvings. This temple, which is devoted to the All-Powerful Lord Shiva, is built in the Kalinga style.
The Parasurameswara Temple, another masterpiece from that time period, is located next to the Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar. It is also close to the Lingaraj Temple, another well-known destination of worship in the city.
This 35-foot-tall temple, which is entirely built of red sandstone, is renowned for its ornately decorated arch-shaped doorway (known locally as Torana). The arch’s elaborate and beautiful carvings are incredibly stunning and a testament to the great craftsmanship of the time.
History
Shiva is the presiding deity and center of worship at the Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The temple, which was built between the years 950 and 975 CE, is a significant historical building for the investigation of the growth of Hindu temples in Odisha. The stylistic evolution of the Mukteswar represents the culmination of all preceding advances and ushers in a century-long period of experimentation, as evidenced by temples like the Rajarani Temple and Lingaraj Temple, both of which are located in Bhubaneswar. It is one of the city’s top tourist destinations.
The first piece of art from the Somavamshi era is discovered to be the Mukteswar Temple. According to the majority of experts, the temple was constructed before the Brahmeswara Temple (1060 CE) and is the successor to the Parashurameshvara Temple. According to Percy Brown, the temple was built around 950 CE. This temple is distinct from others in the area since it contains a torana, and some of the depictions show that the architects were the forerunners of a new culture.
K.C. Panigrahi dates the temple’s construction to 966 CE and suggests that Yayati I of the Somavamshi erected it. The postulation is rejected since Kirtivasa is linked to Lingaraja despite the fact that both were constructed at the same time for the same deity, Shiva, therefore he also links the legend of Kirtivassa to this temple. There is no historical proof that Yayati was the one who built the temple.
Important Details About Mukteswar Temple
Location- Odisha, India
Type- Kalinga Architecture
Timing- 7:00 A.M.- 7:00 P.M.
Established- 950 BC- 975 BC
Best Time To Visit Mukteswar Temple
Any time of year is a good time to visit Bhubaneswar because it is a lovely location. You can, however, choose to travel to this city from October to February. One benefit of going to the temple at the end of the year is that you may watch the renowned Mukteswar Dance Festival. The temple welcomes a large number of visitors from all over the world, and its spiritual clientele is expanding almost yearly.
The architecture of Mukteswar Temple
One of the main justifications for Mukteswar Temple’s other nicknames, “Gem of Odisha Architecture” or “Kalinga Architecture,” is its architectural style. The temple is built in a lower basement amid other temples and faces west. The Jagamohana, a two-tiered building inside the temple, has a pyramidal roof, the first of its sort.
In comparison to other, larger temples in Bhubaneswar, the temple is tiny. An octagonal compound wall with intricate sculptures surrounds the temple. contrary to popular belief, the experimentation with the novel pattern in the temple demonstrated a more developed stage than its forebears and resulted at the beginning of replication of the same pattern in the following temples in the city. The Torana porch of the temple serves as the entrance to the octagonal compound. The vimana (building above the sanctum) and mukhasala (leading hall), both of which are erected on an elevated platform, are two of the temple’s structures. The temple was the first structure of the pithadeula type.
Porch
For all the right reasons, this is regarded as one of the temple’s outstanding aspects. In 900 CE, the Torana, or arched gateway, of the Mukteswar Temple was constructed, heavily influenced by Buddhist design. If you enjoy learning about ancient architecture, you will be in awe of the enormous temple entrance gate’s structure. The pillars of this porch’s most intriguing feature are adorned with smiling women. Any person will be impressed by the porch’s exquisite architecture; the ideas were carefully executed to give the small-height building dignity.
Vimana
There are some structural parallels between the temple in Bhubaneswar and other well-known buildings in the city, and the Vimana is one of these. The Vimana is a square building with four Natarajas that shines brilliantly on the four faces of Kirthimukhas. It is constructed on an elevated platform and has a little shikara. This structure’s top is exquisitely adorned with carved figures and architectural designs.
Sanctum
This temple’s sanctum is tastefully designed and beautifully embodies feminine beauty. This amazing building, which is cubical on the inside with an offset wall on the outside of the temple, is claimed to represent a significant piece of the temple intertwined with nagas and naginis.
Jagmohan
There is nothing greater than touring this temple’s Jagamohana. The building stands about 35 meters (115 feet) tall. The renowned sculptor known as Vishwakarma Moharana is credited with creating the complex carvings. His artistic mind and enchanted hands sculpted diamonds from the stones. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to study this spectacular architectural beauty because it perfectly exemplifies the distinctive style of the temples constructed in Bhubaneswar.
Other structural designs and carvings
It’s also worthwhile to look into some of the other carvings and buildings that are present. Here are a few examples:
The doorway to the inner sanctum is decorated with an image of Ketu, who is considered to be the ninth planet in Hindu mythology (represented by three hooded snakes).
A tank and a well can be seen on the temple’s eastern and southern sides, respectively. People also hold a strong belief in the temple, according to which a dip in the Marichi Kunda helps treat female infertility.
There are numerous other shrines with lingams inside the compound, and everyone who visits them worships the idol with the same devotion.
Given that the enormous structure is adorned with carvings and sculptures, the gateway is regarded as the most significant component.
Religious Importance Of Mukteswar Temple
In addition to focusing on displaying art through the Mukteswar Dance Festival, this temple also devotes some time to focusing on the beauty of the statues. Every year in January and February, the temple hosts this three-day event. The locals and well-known performers of the city perform an Odissi style of dance as part of the festivities. When this dance performance is accompanied by some creative music, you will also enjoy it.
The name Mukteswar, which translates to “Lord of Freedom,” denotes the temple’s prominence in religion. The Hindu deity Shiva is honored in this temple. This temple’s sculptures exude spiritual energy, which is another factor drawing many tourists to the area. The temple boasts a convenient transportation route in addition to its many religious and traditional features.
Things To Do In Mukteswar Temple
The temple’s most alluring feature is its stunning architecture. Therefore, the finest thing to do at this sacred location, aside from paying respects to the famous “Shivlinga,” is to explore its many portions and be in awe of its architectural grandeur.
The Mukteswar Dance Festival, which is held annually in the month of January and is organized by Odisha Tourism, is another important feature of the temple that attracts large people. In 1984, the festival made its debut. But since 2004 it has been running continuously. The locals and well-known performers of the city perform an Odissi style of dance as part of the festivities. When this dance performance is accompanied by some creative music, you will also enjoy it.
Mukteswar Temple Entry Price And Timings
The Bhubaneswar Mukteswar Temple does not charge admission. As early as 6.30 am, devotees can enter the shrine. The shrine’s closing hour is 7.30 pm, and it is open every day.
How To Reach Mukteswar Temple?
Address Of Mukteswar Temple– Kedar Gouri Lane, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751002, India
The Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the one that is nearest to the temple in terms of air travel with around 4.5 Km of distance with approx 13 minutes to reach.
The distance between the Bhubaneswar Railway Station and Mukteswar Temple is around 4.4 kilometers, and both locations are easily accessible by cab or auto-rickshaw. Major cities like Guwahati, Howrah, Kharagpur, etc. are easily accessible from the railway station.
The roads, which are well connected to most of the bordering states like Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, etc., are also thought of as the simplest method to reach the temple. From Odisha, buses are available to all nearby locations.
Mukteswar Temple is a significant landmark in the city of Bhubaneswar and an excellent example of traditional Indian architecture. The temple is a tribute to the master craftsmanship and ingenuity of the artisans of the time with its detailed carvings, lovely sculptures, and distinctive architectural characteristics. It is a must-visit location for anybody interested in history, art, or spirituality because of its significance as a holy site for devotees of Lord Shiva and because it is significant to the people of Odisha culturally and spiritually. Hari Om Tatsat!