Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar

Mukteshwara Temple (IAST: 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[1] 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.[2] It is one of the prominent tourist attractions of the city.[3]

For other uses, see Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple.
Mukteshwara Temple
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictKhurda
DeityMukteshwara (Shiva)
Location
StateOdisha
CountryIndia
Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar is located in Odisha
Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar
Odisha
Geographic coordinates20°14′33.72″N 85°50′25.41″E
Architecture
TypeKalinga architecture
Completed950–975 CE
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.
The decorated torana archway of Mukteshwar Temple

History

The Mukteshvara Temple is found to be the earliest work from the 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.[4] 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.[5]

Architecture
image of temple plan with four different towers
A typical Deula temple plan. The plan is similar to Mukteshvara Temple, except that there is no second pidha deula and khakhara deula
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" .[6] 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.[7] 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 pithadeula type.

Torana decoration
Kritimukha motif on the South face of vimana
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.[8] 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.[9] The gateway has sculptures that range from elaborate scrolls to pleasant female forms and figures of monkeys and peacocks.[10] The front and back of the arch are similar in design.[11]

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 Natarajas on and four kirthimukhas on the four faces. The top portion of the shikara has the kalasa.[4] The shikara is 10.5 metres (34 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.[7]

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.[7]

Jagamohana

This distinctive 10th-century temple is one of the smallest and compact temples. The jagamohana is 35 m (115 ft) tall.[10] It is decorated with intricate carvings by the Vishwakarma Moharana sculptors. The temple is regarded as a gem of Nagara architecture of Kalinga architecture.[12] 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.[13] 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 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 are also sculpted in the structure.[4] 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.[7]

Others

The doorway to the inner sanctum houses the image of Ketu with three hooded snakes, commonly regarded as the ninth planet in the Hindu mythology.[10] 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.[10] The doorway of the temple is ornate.[11] 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.[7]

Religious significance

Mukteshvara means "Lord of Freedom" (from the cycle of births and deaths). The temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva.[8] 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.[10] 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).[4][10] 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.[4] 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.[14]

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.[15][16] The event is webcast in the state government portal.[17][18]

Panorama view of Mukteswar temple
  • Artist playing flute in Mukteswar temple
    Artist playing flute in Mukteswar temple
  • Side view of Mukteshvara Temple
    Side view of Mukteshvara Temple
  • Detail of the Arched Gateway depicting two Apsaras resting on each side
    Detail of the Arched Gateway depicting two Apsaras resting on each side
  • Vimana
    Vimana
  • The Arched Gateway to the Mukteshvara Temple
    The Arched Gateway to the Mukteshvara Temple
  • Carvings with kritimukha motif
    Carvings with kritimukha motif
  • Sculpture of Lord Vishnu in the precincts of the temple
    Sculpture of Lord Vishnu in the precincts of the temple
  • Sculpture of a dancer in the precincts of the temple
    Sculpture of a dancer in the precincts of the temple
  • Eka-tantri vina in the hands of a dancer.
    Eka-tantri vina in the hands of a dancer.
  • Mukteswar Temple 01
    Mukteswar Temple 01

See also

Notes
  1. Smith, Walter (1991). "Images of Divine Kings from the Mukteśwara Temple, Bhubaneswar". Artibus Asiae. 51 (1/2): 90–106. doi:10.2307/3249678. JSTOR 3249678.
  2. Smith, Walter (1994). The Mukteśvara Temple in Bhubaneswar. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited. p. xix. ISBN 81-208-0793-6.
  3. Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.). India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 175.
  4. Parmeshwaranand, Swami (2004). Encyclopedia of the Śaivism. Sarup & Sons. pp. 164–165. ISBN 81-7625-427-4.
  5. Parida, A.N. (1999). Early Temples of Orissa (1st ed.). New Delhi: Commonwealth Publishers. pp. 93–97. ISBN 81-7169-519-1.
  6. "Temple Architecture". Cultural Department - Government of Odisha. Archived from the original on 7 October 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
  7. Jāvīd, ʻAlī; Javeed, Tabassum (2008). World Heritage Monuments. Algora Publishing. pp. 192–194. ISBN 9780875864846.
  8. "Bhubaneswar tourist attractions". Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
  9. A history of fine art in India and Ceylon: from the earliest times to the present day. P.25. Vincent Arthur Smith.
  10. "Bhubaneswar Mukteshvara Temple". Tourism Development Corporation of Odisha. Archived from the original on 25 September 2007. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
  11. Allen, Margaret Prosser (1991). Ornament in Indian Architecture. Associated University Press Inc. pp. 206–207. ISBN 0-87413-399-8.
  12. General Studies History 4 Upsc.P.B-158.Reddy
  13. Designs from Orissan Temples. P.24. D.P. Ghosh, Nirmal Kumar Bose and Y.D. Sharma
  14. E.J. pp.96-107
  15. "Bhubaneswar Mukteshvara Temple". Tourism Development Corporation of Odisha. Archived from the original on 12 April 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
  16. "Mukteswar dance festival from January 14 to 16". The Hindu. 12 January 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
  17. "Odisha Government webcast". Government of Odisha. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
  18. "Season of melas". Daily News. Sri Lanka. 23 December 2010. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015. (Partial story rendition from HighBeam.com archive.)

References
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