Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneshwar

Mukteshwar Temple in Bhubaneshwar is the first temple we visited on our way back from Puri to this city. This is one o the earliest temples built during the period of Somvasi Kingdom. This 10th century temple built using red sandstone is an architectural marvel and is considered as jewel of Orissan temples for its exceptional craftsmanship.

This compact temple is in the amidst a group of other temples and just behind this temple is temple water pond. The stepped pyramidal roof over the rectangular jagamohana of the temple was the first of its kind. The porch in the front is a walled chamber with a low beautifully crafted compact roof.

The tower of the temple over the sanctum is small compared to other temples in the city. The tower measuring 34 ft at the top of it has the kalasa. Every inch of this tower is carved with decorative patterns and sculpted figures. It has four Natarajas on and four kirthimukhas on the four faces.

The most striking feature of the temple is the arched gateway in thr front which is built sometime in 900 CE. The gateway has thick pillars that have strings of beads and other ornaments carved on statues of smiling women in languorous repose. The gateway has sculptures that range from elaborate scrolls to pleasant female forms and figures of monkeys and peacocks.

The exterior wall of the temple is beautifully sculptured with intricate carvings  There is a small compound around the temple with beautiful craftsmanship on it. The carvings are of various sizes. There are several carvings of solider riding on a horse in a varied decorative styles.

This temple is located just off Lewis Road in the older southern part of the Bhubaneswar City.