MUKTESWAR TEMPLE
INTRODUCTION
The famous historian James Fergusson quoted this temple as a "gem of Orissan culture". An important landmark in the architectural development of Bhubaneswar, the Mukteswar evolved a full fledged plan which from then on appeared in all the later temples. The magnificent arched Toran (gate way) adorning the entrance is a piece of stone work unparalleled in history.
MUKTESWAR TEMPLE
THE TEMPLE
It is one of the smallest temples and the compactness of the temple is also very striking. The tank inside the compound is still used by the priest and the devotees. In the well here the women still toss coins in the hope of curing infertility. On the door frame one can see the carvings of the local saint, Lakulisa. Its earthy red sandstone body is encrusted with intricate carvings, depicting starved lean looking Sadhus (holy men) to voluptuous, become women bedecked with jewels Mukteswar's most distinctive feature is the arched gateway also called "Torana" dated about 900 A.D. The Torana shows the influence of Buddhist architecture. This thick pillared, arched gateway is beautifully carved with strings of beads and other attractive ornaments with statues of smiling women in languorous postures. In the yard stands the Kedareswar Temple, with a striking 8 feet statue of Ram Bhakt Hanuman (the monkey God).
PLAN AND ELEVATION
Elevation Showing The Use Of PYRAMIDICAL ROOF For The First Time In Kalinga School Of Architecture.
Front View Of The Temple
TORANA - THE GATEWAY
The arched gateway is particularly fine. It shows an excellent combination of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain features,which find a common voice in much of Orissan temple craft.
Detail in the arch
DETAILS IN ROOF
Side View Of The Temple