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Mukteshwara Temple

Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva

Mukteshvara Temple is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

The temple dates back to 950–975 CE .

Mukteshwara Temple monument is  of great importance in the study of the development of Hindu temples in Odisha. The stylistic development the Mukteswar marks the culmination of all earlier developments, and initiates a period of experiment which continues for an entire century, as seen in such temples as the Rajarani Temple and Lingaraj temple, both located in Bhubaneswar. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions of the city.

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Mukteshwara Temple is called the “Gem of Odisha architecture”. The temple is constructed amidst a group of temples. The pyramidal roof to the jagamohana present in the temple was the first of its kind over the conventional two tier structure. The temple is a small one compared to other larger temples in Bhubaneswar. The temples is enclosed within an octagonal compound wall with elaborate carvings on it. It is believed that the experiment of newer pattern in the temple showed a mature phase compared to its predecessors and culminated the beginning of replication of similar pattern in the later temples in the city. The temple has a porch, called torana, which acts as the gateway to the octagonal compound. The temple has two structures namely, the vimana (structure above the sanctum) and a mukhasala, the leading hall, both of which are built on a raised platform. The temple is the earlies to be built in pithadeula type.

 

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Torana / Arched Gateway

The most important feature of the Mukteshvara Temple is the torana, or the arched gateway. It dates back to about 900 CE and shows the influence of Buddhist architecture. The arched gateway has thick pillars, a range of scrolls, pleasant female forms, and figures of monkeys and peacocks.  Notice the carved smiling woman in a languorous pose, with strings of beads and other ornaments.  This early astylar form of the temple is best illustrated in this temple.  The front and back of the arch are similar in design.

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