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.
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.
45 comments:
Stunning architecture.
Rajesh, I always enjoy seeing your temples with the beautiful carvings. Wonderful photos!
Beautiful as always..the smaller size marks it seem friendlier and more accessible somehow.
Intricate carvings and beautiful lines. So much history, too!
Yes it a gem among all temples in Odisha. You have covered it wonderfully.
Beautiful temple photos!
Greetings, RW & SK
The architecture is completely different. Really eye catching.
Such a beautiful post.
The temple is magnificent in every way.
I love the pink stone and the carvings are superb.
Wishing you a happy week Rajesh!
Shane
Amazing details!
What a wonderful looking place.. many thanks for sharing.
The temple and setting are very beautiful.
Built in sandstone I'm quite surprised it is in such good condition.
Such a beautiful place and such intricate carvings! Superb captures as always, Rajesh! Have a great week!
Gorgeous Rajesh
I really like that entrance gate/portico or whatever it's called. And so much majestic carving!
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Grandioso, esculturas e detalhes maravilhosos.
Boa de semana!
Beijinhos.
Brasil
♫ ¸.•°♫♫♫
Yes, delicious pictures, very beautiful colors in this wonderful temple!
this is incredible. maybe a repeat visit to india is necessary.
The detail in this stonework is incredible, and you've got some nice photos of it.
we went to bhubneswar last year.. but we missed this marvel...
What gorgeous and intricate details!
I haven't been to this temple, though have visited bhuvaneshwar twice!!
lovely architecture and sculpture work!!
http://www.myunfinishedlife.com
Divine sculpturing on this very beautiful temple ~ and wonderful photography ~ happy day to you ~ carol ^_^
Wonderful work Rajesh! So nicely photographed
What a place !
Magnificent architecture!
Kids and Reds
excellent sculptures :)
Good choice for M week. I visited yesterday but somehow missed that it was an ABC Wed. post until I cam back. Carver, ABC Wed. Team
Awesome, Beautiful and Charming! In one word ABC!
Wil, ABCW Team
The intricate details of this temple are magnificent. It's good to see a structure this old in such wonderful condition.
Amazing temple
An Arkie's Musings
MARVELOUS!
Visiting from Travel Photo Monday.
Thanks for showing us this beautiful temple. Love the detail. Wonderful workmanship.
What patience and gift the designer and builders of this temple must have had!
And such a beautiful setting.
Beautiful temple. The gateway is superb.
Good shots.
Again, another beautiful temple. Can you actually go inside? I'd love to see the inside of these sanctuaries.
Amazing architecture!
http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/10/shiva-linga.html
The effects of water in your photography of the temple for WWW ~ thanks, carol
Beautiful sculptural decorations overall! A simply unique temple and your pictures leave great impressions.
Is there a meaning of water around a temple? These place is gorgeous!
Thank you for joining Water World Wednesday
Kim,USA
Awesome captures..Wonderful architecture :)
Great pics, The temple has a resemblance with the Konark Sun Temple Structurally If I am not wrong.
I liked the intricate architecture, which has elements of Dravidism in it, seen in many Odissi temples.
Well taken photo with nice symmetry. Yes, temple wall appears full of sculpted figures. Awesome!
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