Mukteshwar
Temple at
Bhubaneshwar in Odisha is dedicated to Shiva. The 10th century temple is a
classic example of Odiyan architecture. In the article titled “Breathing life
into Stone,” Chitra Ramaswamy narrates the importance of the temple in the
architecture history of Odisha and the changes the temple brought about in the
architecture from earlier temples. The temple is considered as a trendsetter
for future Odisha temples.
The Hindu writes
The 10 century edifice is a landmark of sorts in the
development of Hindu temples in Odisha since it marked the beginning of a
period of experimentation in architectural designs. The amalgam of approaches
borrowed from earlier periods culminated in a style that came to be
distinctively Odiyan. The temple exudes magnificence and delicacy and signifies
the transitional phase of Odiyan architecture between the initial and later
stages of Kalinga architectural style.
Mukteshwar temple is also a rare example of a shrine planned
and built without subsequent additions as was the practice in earlier times.
The earthy red sandstone west-facing temple that rises 35
ft. above ground is encrusted with intricate carvings of ascetics in meditative
poses and women adorned with jewellery, bearing testimony to the artistic
prowess of the Vishwakarma Moharana sculptors of the times.