Toshali Sands

Mukteswar Temple

The term gem becomes hackneyed while talking about the temples of Bhubaneswar. But certainly Mukteswar is a gem. The first thing to draw one’s attention is its elegant and superb arch gate. It appears as if it has been finished by jewellers and not sculptors. Such is the delicacy and intricacies of the details! But the temple is also important as the first example of development of a style which ultimately led to the gigantic monumental temples of Lingaraj at Bhubaneswar, Jagannath at Puri or unique Sun Temple at Konark. While retaining many of the older characteristics of the earlier architecture seen at Parasurameswar, the Jagamohan is evolved as an independent structure instead of being a mere porch for the temple proper, Both the Jagamohan and the main temple are constructed on high platforms with sculptured walls. The Jagamohan has a pyramidical roof.

Till this time the temples were squats, earth bound, Now there are attempt to reach for the sky, which culminate in the great temple of Lingaraj. MUkteswar temple bridges the early and later phases of the Kalinga School of temple bUilding. The surroundings of the temple are very picturesque and have a park like atmosphere with the sacred tank and minor temple where we also find a developed and vigorous school of sculpture. This temple is open to non Hindus.