Why to visit Mukteswara Temple
The temple's massive construction, made entirely of sandstone, stands 35 feet tall. The word 'Mukteswara' is traditionally associated with a lord who grants liberation via Yoga, as seen by the pictures that adorn the temple's walls. The temple's eastern section is noted for having a well erected in a corner, and it is said that taking a plunge in the well's water will cure infertility.
The exquisite torana - the ornate doorway, an arching masterwork evocative of Buddhist impact in Orissa - is the temple's major attraction. This columned, arched doorway is ornately carved with strings of beads and other lovely ornamentation, as well as figurines of cheerful women in relaxed poses. The temple is also known for its mesmerising and entrancing sculptures and has some superb carvings. Unique artworks such as a gathering of slim sadhus, a group of laughing monkeys, and drawings from the Panchatantra on the outside face of honeycomb windows are intriguing to see.
In essence, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most popular places to visit in Bhubaneshwar. The magnificent embellishments around the temple and the sheer grandeur of its architectural work are a delight to observe when you are here, constructed in the Kalinga style of architecture. The temple, which goes back to the 10th century, is known as the "jewel of Odisha."
