Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar
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Mukteshwara Temple (; also spelt Mukteswara) is a 10th-century
Hindu temple A Hindu temple, also known as Mandir, Devasthanam, Pura, or Kovil, is a sacred place where Hindus worship and show their devotion to Hindu deities, deities through worship, sacrifice, and prayers. It is considered the house of the god to who ...
dedicated to
Shiva Shiva (; , ), also known as Mahadeva (; , , Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐh and Hara, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the God in Hinduism, Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions w ...
located in
Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar () is the capital and the largest city of the States and territories of India, Indian state of Odisha. It is located in the Khordha district. The suburban region, especially the old town, was historically often depicted as ''Chakra ...
,
Odisha Odisha (), formerly Orissa (List of renamed places in India, the official name until 2011), is a States and union territories of India, state located in East India, Eastern India. It is the List of states and union territories of India by ar ...
,
India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
. The temple dates back to 950–975 CE and is a monument of importance in the study of the development of
Hindu temples A Hindu temple, also known as Mandir, Devasthanam, Pura, or Kovil, is a sacred place where Hindus worship and show their devotion to deities through worship, sacrifice, and prayers. It is considered the house of the god to whom it is dedica ...
in Odisha. The stylistic development of the Mukteswara Temple 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 Rajarani Temple is an 11th-century CE Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha (Orissa previously), India. Believed to be devoted to Lord Shiva, the shrine is called Raja Rani because it is made of yellow and red sandston ...
and Lingaraj temple, both located in Bhubaneswar. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions of the city.


History

The Mukteshvara Temple is found to be the earliest work from the Somavamshi period. Most scholars believe that the temple is the successor to Parashurameshvara Temple and was 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.
K.C. Panigrahi Krishna Chandra Panigrahi (1 December 1909 – 25 February 1987), often referred to as K.C. Panigrahi, was a notable Indian historian, archaeologist and literary expert from Odisha. Early life and education He was born in Khiching, the former ...
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.


Architecture

This architecture is one of the basic reasons why Mukteshvara Temple is also known as the "Gem of Odisha architecture" or "Kalinga Architecture" . 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. 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 earliest to be built in ''pitha deula'' type.


Porch

The most important feature of the Mukteshvara Temple is the ''
torana A ''torana'' (; '' awr-uh-nuh') is a free-standing ornamental or arched gateway for ceremonial purposes in Hindu architecture, Hindu, Buddhist and Jain architecture of the Indian subcontinent. Toranas can also be widely seen in Southeast Asi ...
'', or the arched gateway, dating back to about 900 CE and showing the influence of
Buddhist architecture Buddhist religious architecture developed in the Indian subcontinent. Three types of structures are associated with the sacred architecture, religious architecture of History of Buddhism, early Buddhism: monasteries (viharas), places to venerate ...
. 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 skillfully arranged so as to give dignity to buildings of moderate height. This early astylar form of the temple is best illustrated in this temple. The gateway has sculptures that range from elaborate scrolls to pleasant female forms and figures of monkeys and peacocks. The front and back of the arch are similar in design.


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 Nataraja (/ n̪əʈəɾɑd͡ʒᵊ/ ,, ; , ''Naṭarājar'' Telugu: నటరాజు,''Naṭarāju''), also known as Adalvallan (), is a depiction of Shiva, one of the main deities in Hinduism, as the divine cosmic dancer. His dance is ca ...
s and four kirthimukhas on the four faces. The top portion of the ''shikara'' has the ''kalasa''. The ''shikara'' is 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.


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 on the outside.


Jagamohana

This distinctive 10th-century temple is one of the smallest and compact temples. The ''jagamohana'' is tall. It is decorated with intricate carvings by the Vishwakarma Moharana sculptors. The temple is regarded as a gem of Nagara architecture of Kalinga architecture. Except for the rectangular plan of its ''jagamohana'', it is the earliest example of what may be termed proper Odisha temple type; a ''
vimana Vimāna are mythological flying palaces or chariots described in Hindu texts and Sanskrit epics. The "Pushpaka Vimana" of Ravana (who took it from Kubera; Rama returned it to Kubera) is the most quoted example of a vimana. Vimanas are also menti ...
'' with a curvelinear spire and a ''jaganmohana'' with a stepped pyramidal roof. The temple's red sandstone is covered with exquisite carvings of lean ''
sadhus ''Sadhu'' (, IAST: ' (male), ''sādhvī'' or ''sādhvīne'' (female), also spelled ''saddhu'') is a religious ascetic, mendicant or any holy person in Hinduism and Jainism who has renounced the worldly life. They are sometimes alternativel ...
'' or holy men and voluptuous women encrusted with jewels. The images of
Ganga The Ganges ( ; in India: Ganga, ; in Bangladesh: Padma, ). "The Ganges Basin, known in India as the Ganga and in Bangladesh as the Padma, is an international which goes through India, Bangladesh, Nepal and China." is a trans-boundary riv ...
and
Yamuna The Yamuna (; ) is the second-largest tributary river of the Ganges by discharge and the longest tributary in India. Originating from the Yamunotri Glacier at a height of about on the southwestern slopes of Bandarpunch peaks of the Low ...
are carved next to 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 Gajalakshmi (), also spelt as Gajalaxmi, is a prominent representation of the goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth, prosperity, and fertility, depicted with two elephants on either side. This representation symbolises not only the divine bl ...
,
Rahu Rāhu (Sanskrit: राहु, 16px, ☊) is one of the nine major celestial bodies ( navagraha) in Hindu texts and the king of meteors. It represents the ascension of the Moon in its precessional orbit around the Earth, also referred to as ...
and
Ketu KETU (1120 AM) is a commercial radio station licensed to Catoosa, Oklahoma, and serving the Tulsa metropolitan area. The station broadcasts a Spanish adult contemporary radio format and is owned by Antonio Perez, through licensee Radio Las Amer ...
are also sculpted in the structure. 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''.


Others

The doorway to the inner sanctum houses the image of
Ketu KETU (1120 AM) is a commercial radio station licensed to Catoosa, Oklahoma, and serving the Tulsa metropolitan area. The station broadcasts a Spanish adult contemporary radio format and is owned by Antonio Perez, through licensee Radio Las Amer ...
with three hooded snakes, commonly regarded as the ninth planet in the Hindu mythology. 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. The doorway of the temple is ornate. 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.


Religious significance

Mukteshvara means "Lord of Freedom" (from the cycle of births and deaths). The temple is dedicated to Hindu God
Shiva Shiva (; , ), also known as Mahadeva (; , , Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐh and Hara, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the God in Hinduism, Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions w ...
. 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. The outer face of the compound wall has niches of Hindu deities like Saraswathi,
Ganesha Ganesha or Ganesh (, , ), also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most worshipped Deva (Hinduism), deities in the Hindu deities, Hindu pantheon and is the Supreme God in the Ganapatya sect. His depictions ...
and Lakulisha (the fifth century founder of the Pashupata sect of tantric Shaivism). The numerous images of Lakulisha are found in miniature forms within Chaitya arches, showing various mudras like
yoga Yoga (UK: , US: ; 'yoga' ; ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated with its own philosophy in ancient India, aimed at controlling body and mind to attain various salvation goals, as pra ...
, Bhumispara and vyakyana with yogapatta tied to their knees. They are accompanied by the images of the disciples. 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. E.J. pp.96-107


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 ''Odissi'' (''ଓଡ଼ିଶୀ'') also referred to as ''Orissi'' in old literature, oldest surviving classical dance of India, is a major ancient Indian classical dance that originated in the Hindu temple, temples of Odisha – an eastern ...
, the classical dance form of Odisha and
Odissi music Odissi music (, ) is a genre of Indian classical music, classical music originating from the eastern state of Odisha. Rooted in the ancient ritual music tradition dedicated to the deity Jagannatha, Odissi music has a rich history spanning over ...
, the classical music of the same tradition. Popular Odissi dancers perform during the function, accompanied by musical instruments like mardala. The event is webcast in the state government portal.


Gallery

File:Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar Old Town.jpg, Angel view of Mukteswar Temple 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 Vishnu (; , , ), also known as Narayana and Hari, is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the supreme being within Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism, and the god of preservation (sattva). Vish ...
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 The ''eka-tantrī vīṇā'' was a medieval tube zither, tube-zither veena in India, with a single string and one or more gourd resonators. The instrument became prominent in Indian music in about the 10th century C.E. as instruments of court mus ...
in the hands of a dancer. File:Mukteswar Temple 01.jpg, Mukteswar Temple 01


See also

*
List of temples in Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha, India. It was the ancient capital of the Kalinga (historical kingdom), Kalinga Empire and the architectural legacy of the period is its greatest attraction. There are many sites in the city that testif ...


Notes


References

*


External links


Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar


(archived 2 September 2006)

{{Shiva temples in Odisha Shiva temples in Odisha Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar Archaeological monuments in Odisha 10th-century Hindu temples