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{{short description|10th-century Hindu temple in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2019}}
{{Other uses|Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple}}
{{Infobox Mandir
|name = Mukteshwara Temple
|native_name =
|native_name_lang =
|image = 20171204192608 IMG 1199-02-02.jpg
|caption =
|map_type = Orissa
|coordinates = {{coord|20|14|33.72|N|85|50|25.41|E|type:landmark_region:IN-OR|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates_footnotes=
|map_caption = Odisha
|other_names =
|sanskrit_translit =
|script_name = 
|script = 
|country = [[India]]
|state = [[Odisha]]
|district = [[Khurda]]
|locale =
|elevation_m =
|elevation_footnotes =
|deity = Mukteshwara ([[Shiva]])
|festivals =
|architecture = [[Kalinga architecture]]
|temple_quantity =
|monument_quantity =
|inscriptions =
|year_completed = 950–975 CE
|creator =
|temple_board =
|website =
}}
[[File:Mukteshwar torana.jpg|alt=in front of the Jagamohana is a masterpiece dating from about 900 AD. It is a detached portal consisting of two pillars supporting an arch within a semicircular shaped pediment. The decoration of the arch, with languorously reclining females and bands of delicate scroll-work, is the most striking feature.|thumb|The decorated torana archway of Mukteshwar Temple]]
'''Mukteshwara Temple''' ({{IAST3|Mukteśwara}}; also spelt '''Mukteswara''') is a 10th-century [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to [[Shiva]] located in [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Odisha]], [[India]]. The temple dates back to 950–975 CE<ref name=smith1>{{cite journal|last1=Smith|first1=Walter|title=Images of Divine Kings from the Mukteśwara Temple, Bhubaneswar|journal=Artibus Asiae|date=1991|volume=51|issue=1/2|pages=90–106|doi=10.2307/3249678|jstor=3249678 }}</ref> and is a monument of importance in the study of the development of [[Hindu temples]] in Odisha. The stylistic development the Mukteswara 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.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Mukteśvara Temple in Bhubaneswar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y0MQmNx8g2gC&q=muktesvara+temple&pg=PR11|page=xix|first= Walter|last= Smith|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited|isbn=81-208-0793-6|year=1994|location=Delhi}}</ref> It is one of the prominent tourist attractions of the city.<ref>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/175 175]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref>

==History==
The Mukteshvara Temple is found to be the earliest work from the [[Somavaṃśī dynasty|Somavamshi]] period. Most scholars believe the temple is the successor to [[Parashurameshvara Temple]] and built earlier to the [[Brahmeswara Temple]] (1060 CE). Percy Brown puts the date of construction of the temple to 950 CE. The presence of a ''torana'', which is not part of any other temple in the region, makes this temple unique and some of the representations indicate the builders were starters of a new culture.<ref name="Swami"/> [[K.C. Panigrahi]] places the temple to be built during 966 CE and postulates that the Somavamshi king Yayati I built the temple. He also associates the legend of Kirtivassa to this temple, but the postulation is not accepted as Kirtivasa is associated with Lingaraja, though both were built at the same time for the same deity, Shiva. There is no historic evidence to conclude that Yayati had built the temple.<ref name=Parida>{{cite book|title=Early Temples of Orissa|last=Parida|first=A.N.|publisher=Commonwealth Publishers|location=New Delhi|isbn=81-7169-519-1|ref=Parida|year=1999|edition=1st|pages=93–97}}</ref>

==Architecture==
[[File:Simplified schema of Kalinga architecture.jpg|thumb|left|A typical Deula temple plan. The plan is similar to Mukteshvara Temple, except that there is no second pidha deula and khakhara deula |alt=image of temple plan with four different towers]]
[[File:Ekamra Heritage Walk Mukteswar Temple Bhubaneswar2.jpg|thumb|Ekamra Heritage Wall Mukteswar Temple Bhubaneswar2]]

This architecture is one of the basic reasons why Mukteshvara Temple is also known as the "Gem of Odisha architecture" or "Kalinga Architecture" .<ref name="temple architecture">{{cite web|title=Temple Architecture|url=http://www.orissaculture.gov.in/Architecture.asp|publisher=Cultural Department - Government of Odisha|access-date=23 May 2014|archive-date=7 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007124054/http://www.orissaculture.gov.in/Architecture.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The temple faces west and is constructed in a lower basement 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.<ref name="Ali">{{cite book|title=World Heritage Monuments|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=54XBlIF9LFgC&q=muktesvara+temple&pg=PA192|first1=ʻAlī |last1=Jāvīd|first2=Tabassum |last2=Javeed|pages=192–194|publisher=Algora Publishing|year=2008|isbn=9780875864846}}</ref> 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 ''pitha[[deula]]'' type.
[[File:Bhubaneshwar 01a - Mukteswar Mandir (30390641131).jpg|thumb|260x260px|Torana decoration]]
[[File:Bhubaneshwar ei04-20.jpg|thumb|260x260px|Kritimukha motif on the South face of vimana]]
[[File:The beautiful ceiling pattern of Mukteshvara Temple.jpg|thumb|260x260px|Interior ceiling]]

===Porch===
The most important feature of the Mukteshvara Temple is the ''[[torana]]'', or the arched gateway, dating back to about 900 CE and showing the influence of [[Buddhist architecture]].<ref name="Bhubaneswar Corporation">{{cite web
|url = http://bmc.gov.in/TouristAtcton.asp?lnk=2&PL=5
|title = Bhubaneswar tourist attractions
|publisher = Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation
|access-date = 2006-09-12
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110810003759/http://bmc.gov.in/TouristAtcton.asp?lnk=2&PL=5
|archive-date = 2011-08-10
}}</ref> The arched gateway has thick pillars that have strings of beads and other ornaments carved on statues of smiling women in languorous repose. The porch is a walled chamber with a low, massive roof and internal pillars. The combination of vertical and horizontal lines is skilfully arranged so as to give dignity of buildings of moderate height. This early astylar form of the temple is best illustrated in this temple.<ref>''A history of fine art in India and Ceylon: from the earliest times to the present day''. P.25. Vincent Arthur Smith.</ref> The gateway has sculptures that range from elaborate scrolls to pleasant female forms and figures of monkeys and peacocks.<ref name="tourism"/> The front and back of the arch are similar in design.<ref name="Allen">{{cite book|title=Ornament in Indian Architecture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vyXxEX5PQH8C&q=muktesvara+temple&pg=PA207|pages=206–207|last= Allen|first=Margaret Prosser|year=1991|publisher=Associated University Press Inc.|isbn=0-87413-399-8}}</ref>

===Vimana===
The ''Vimana'' is square in plan and is built in a raised platform with pilasters in each facade. The ''shikara'' is small compared to other temples; it has four [[Nataraja]]s on and four [[Kirtimukha|kirthimukhas]] on the four faces. The top portion of the ''shikara'' has the ''kalasa''.<ref name="Swami"/> The ''shikara'' is {{convert|10.5|m|ft}} tall, with every inch sculpted with decorative patterns, architectural patterns and sculpted figures. A new form of decoration called ''bho'', possibly developed here, became a prominent feature in later Odishan temples. It is a highly ornate chaitya window crowned by masked demon head and dwarf figures.<ref name="Ali"/>

===Sanctum===
The sanctum is sculpted with beautiful damsels exhibiting feminine charms entwined with ''nagas'' and ''naginis''. The sanctum is cubical from the inside with offset walls in the outside.<ref name="Ali"/>

===Jagamohana===
This distinctive 10th-century temple is one of the smallest and compact temples. The ''jagamohana'' is {{convert|35|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall.<ref name="tourism"/> It is decorated with intricate carvings by the Vishwakarma Moharana sculptors. The temple is regarded as a gem of Nagara architecture of [[Kalinga architecture]].<ref>''General Studies History 4 Upsc''.P.B-158.Reddy</ref> Except for the rectangular plan of its ''jagamohana'', it is the earliest example of what may be termed proper Odisha temple type; a ''[[vimana]]'' with a curvelinear spire and a ''jaganmohana'' with a stepped pyramidal roof.<ref>''Designs from Orissan Temples''. P.24. D.P. Ghosh, Nirmal Kumar Bose and Y.D. Sharma</ref>
The temple's red sandstone is covered with exquisite carvings of lean ''[[sadhus]]'' or holy men and voluptuous women encrusted with jewels. The images of [[Ganga]] and [[Yamuna]] are carved next to [[Chanda (monster)|Chanda]] and [[Prachanda]]. The ''torana'' is present in front of the ''jagamohana''. The figure of Lakulisa, seated in ''bhumispara-mudra'' and holding a ''lakuta'' is present on the lintel of the ''jagamohana''. The figures of [[Gajalakshmi]], [[Rahu]] and [[Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]] are also sculpted in the structure.<ref name="Swami"/> A small extension from the side roof of the ''jagamohana'' has the image of a lion sitting on its hind legs. The exterior walls of the structure are decorated with pilasters with ''nagas'' and ''naginis''.<ref name="Ali"/>

===Others===
The doorway to the inner sanctum houses the image of [[Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]] with three hooded snakes, commonly regarded as the ninth planet in the Hindu mythology.<ref name="tourism"/>
There is a tank in the eastern side of the temple and a well in the south-western corner. A dip in the first known as the ''Marichi Kunda'' is believed to cure infertility in women. There are other shrines within the temple complex with ''lingam'' inside, which were used as offering shrines.<ref name="tourism"/> The doorway of the temple is ornate.<ref name="Allen"/> The temple is enclosed by a low compound wall that follows the contours of the temple. The temple has sculptures both inside and outside the structure. The compound walls leaves a very small passage separating the shrine.<ref name="Ali"/>

==Religious significance==
Mukteshvara means "Lord of Freedom" (from the cycle of births and deaths). The temple is dedicated to Hindu God [[Shiva]].<ref name="Bhubaneswar Corporation"/> There are a number of sculptures of skeletal ascetics in teaching or meditation poses. Some scholars correlate the role of the temple as a centre for Tantric initiation with the name Mukteshvara as a possible thesis.<ref name="tourism"/> The outer face of the compound wall has niches of Hindu deities like [[Saraswathi]], [[Ganesha]] and [[Lakulisha]] (the fifth century founder of the Pashupata sect of tantric Shaivism).<ref name="Swami">{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of the Śaivism |pages=164–165|first= Swami|last= Parmeshwaranand|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N4xIBNmhpXcC&q=muktesvara+temple&pg=PA164|publisher=Sarup & Sons|year=2004|isbn=81-7625-427-4}}</ref><ref name="tourism">{{cite web
|url=http://www.orissatourism.gov.in/new/muktswar.html
|title=Bhubaneswar Mukteshvara Temple
|publisher=Tourism Development Corporation of Odisha
|access-date=2006-09-12
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070925013117/http://www.orissatourism.gov.in/new/muktswar.html
|archive-date=25 September 2007
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> The numerous images of Lakulisha are found in miniature forms within Chaitya arches, showing various mudras like [[yoga]], [[Bhumispara]] and [[vyakyana]] with [[yogapatta]] tied to their knees. They are accompanied by the images of the disciples.<ref name="Swami"/> According to tradition, barren women give birth to sons if they take a dip in the ''Marichi Kunda'' tank in the premises of the temple on the night before Ashokashtami car festival. On the evening, the water in the tank is sold to the public.<ref name="E.J.">[[#E.J.|E.J.]] pp.96-107</ref>

==In popular culture==
The Department of Tourism of the state government organises a three-day yearly dance function called ''Mukteswar Dance Festival'' in the temple premises. This festival celebrates the features of [[Odissi]], the classical dance form of Odisha and [[Odissi music]], the classical music of the same tradition. Popular Odissi dancers perform during the function, accompanied by musical instruments like [[mardala]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.Odishatourism.gov.in/new/ekam_festival1.htm
|title=Bhubaneswar Mukteshvara Temple
|publisher=Tourism Development Corporation of Odisha
|access-date=2006-09-12
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130412232223/http://www.odishatourism.gov.in/new/ekam_festival1.htm
|archive-date=12 April 2013
|url-status=dead
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mukteswar dance festival from January 14 to 16|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/mukteswar-dance-festival-from-january-14-to-16/article4301050.ece|date=2013-01-12|access-date=2012-01-13|work=The Hindu}}</ref> The event is webcast in the state government portal.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://webcast.gov.in/mdf/mdf2012_16.html
|title=Odisha Government webcast
|publisher=Government of Odisha
|access-date=2006-09-12
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505223416/http://webcast.gov.in/mdf/mdf2012_16.html
|archive-date=5 May 2012
|url-status=dead
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Season of melas|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2219713151.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924203517/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2219713151.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|newspaper=Daily News|location=Sri Lanka|date=23 December 2010|access-date=2 June 2015|via=[[HighBeam Research]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

== Gallery ==
[[File:Mukteswar_temple_,_Bhubaneswar.jpg|thumb|Panorama view of Mukteswar temple]]
[[File:Mukteswar_temple,_Bhubaneswar.jpg|thumb]]
<gallery>
File:Mukteswar(Ekamra).jpg|Artist playing flute in Mukteswar temple
File:Mukteshwar Temple Side View.jpg|Side view of Mukteshvara Temple
File:Bhuvanesvar013.jpg|Detail of the Arched Gateway depicting two Apsaras resting on each side
File:Bhuvanesvar1002.jpg|Vimana
File:The Arched Gateway to the Mukteswara Temple.jpg|The Arched Gateway to the Mukteshvara Temple
File:A sculpture work in Mukteshwar-Siddheshwar temple.jpg|Carvings with kritimukha motif
File:Bishnu.jpg|Sculpture of [[Lord Vishnu]] in the precincts of the temple
File:Dancing Girl.jpg|Sculpture of a dancer in the precincts of the temple
File:Decorations of the Mukteshvara Temple of Bhubaneswar 02.jpg|[[Eka-tantri vina]] in the hands of a dancer.
File:Mukteswar Temple 01.jpg|Mukteswar Temple 01
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[List of temples in Bhubaneswar]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* {{cite book|title=Contributions to Asian Studies: 1973|last1=E.J.|first1=Brills |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8QYVAAAAIAAJ&q=lingaraj+temple&pg=PA103|ref=E.J.|publisher=Brill Academic Publishers|year=1973|location=Netherlands|isbn=9789004035386}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Mukteshvara Temple}}
*[https://www.lingaraj-temple.com/mukteswara-temple/ Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060902053410/http://www.cyberorissa.com/myorissa/temples/temples2.htm Temples of Orissa] (archived 2 September 2006)
* [http://www.cultureholidays.com/Temples/mukteswara.htm Mukteshvara Temple]

{{Temples in Bhubaneswar}}
{{Shaivism}}
{{Shiva temples}}
{{Shiva temples in Odisha}}

[[Category:Shiva temples in Odisha]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar]]
[[Category:Archaeological monuments in Odisha]]
[[Category:10th-century Hindu temples]]

Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article