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Mukteshwar Temple is considered as one of the sacred religious place to visit in the city of Bubaneshwar and is dedicated to the main deity Lord Shiva. It is situated at the hilltop built out of white marble, Shivling with a copper yoni. The Shivling is surrounded by idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Hanuman, Ganesh and Nandi.

The Mukteshwar temple is the famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and being considered one of significant temple of Bhubaneshwar. The temple is to the east of the city. The magnificence and delicacy combining the ancient and modern are being designed so perfectly blended in the architecture of this temple that this become famous as 'Gem of Orissa architecture'. In fact this temple of 10th century is one of the fabulous illustrations for Buddhism inspired Kalinga School of Temple Architecture.

Mukteshwar temple is one of the most prominent temples of Bhubaneswar, and has been constructed in the style that is quite similar to the one used in the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture. The splendid Torana of the temple, an ornamental arched gateway, is very much reminiscent of the influence of Buddhism in Orissa. It has been established in the year 950 AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The common element that still prevails with early temples, like Parasuramesvara and Vaital Deul, is the tryangabada, three-fold horizontal division of the lower storey. The new more elaborate style has absence of dopichha lions and the squat figures supporting the amla, the recessed sections but now rounded sharp edges and corners got predominant.


The jagamohana of this particular late 10th century temple is now a pidha deul with decorated ceiling, carved into a lotus with eight petals. The change in their iconography is been equally noticeable with Ketu introduced as the 9th planet, the association Karttikeya with the cock and the appearance of the mouse as the mount of Ganesha.

The diamond shaped latticed windows in the North and South walls of Jagamohana depict enchanting scenes of frolicking monkeys in the past. The chaitya-windows which are carved on the sanctuary tower depicts a very much arresting ornamental design, bho, a motif-the grinning face of a lion with beaded tassels emerging from its mouth, flanked by two dwarfs, the pattern resembling a coat of arms.

The corner rathas are relieved with female figures, remarkable for their expressive faces, with hair styles and jewellery shown in exquisite detail. The octagonal wall encloses the temple which has several niches, each containing a wheel, a lotus medallion or a delicate scroll.

The decorated torana archway 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 magnificent decoration of the arch, with languorously reclining females and bands of delicate scroll-work serves as the most striking feature.

There is a small well locally known as Marichi Kund, which lies immediately beyond the sinister of the enclosure, the water of which is believed to cure infertility of women. On the door frame of the well is a seated figure of Lakulisa, surrounded by four disciples.

Situated on the northwest corner of the enclosure of Mukteswar Temple is a latter unfinished, Siddhesvara Temple, in which the emergence of the Orissan architectural style is almost complex. The deul is pancha ratha on plan, the bada is panchanga, and the bandana composed of three moulding dividing janga into tala and upara and the amla on the top of the deul is supported by four squatting figures. The jangha of the jagamohana is relieved with pidha-mundis. Devoid of ornamentation and the decorations, the deities of Shiva's sons-Ganesha and Karttikeya around the tower are its only interesting points.

The late 10th century Gauri Temple, to the South of the temple premises is a specimen of the Khakhara form but has striking similarities with Mukteswar Temple in respect of execution of its architectural elements and the decorative details. Though substantially it has been repaired and renovated, it still has some notable original sculptures.

Of the few intact figures of nayikas in various flexuous poses, the one, on the South face of the East projection, leaning against a post on which is perched a bird, and the other, on the West projection, taking off her anklets, are noted for their mastery treatment.

The Mukteshwar Utsav at Orissa is usually a dance festival, in which many talented Odissi dancers perform with elegant costumes. This festival is been said should not be missed by the people who take interest in the traditional dance forms of India. Best time to visit this place is from October to April. This festival is actually the final part of the Ekamra Utsav. The Ekamra Utsav is very popular among the people of the state who believe in the religion of Hinduism.

The Mukteshwar Utsav of Orissa generally spans for four days at a stretch. In the year 2007, the festival has been organized from the 14th to the 17th of the month of January in 2007. In the year 2006, it was celebrated from the 12th to the 15th of the month of January.

Lingaraj temple was built in 617-657 A.D and its height is about 54 meters. It is surrounded by high walls on four sides; the Lingaraja temple is one of the most famous temples in Orissa.

Vaital Deul has a double-storied wagon roof, which in turn is an influence of the Buddhist cave architecture. The interior of the temple has the image of Chamunda which is an incarnation of Goddess Kali.

Rajarani Temple mainly derives its name from the stone known as the Rajarani. The temple is set in a garden and creates a dramatic image against the setting sun. The temple here sets unique amongst picturesque paddy fields, the relatively small Rajarani temple is noted for its fascinating female figures portrayed in a stunning variety of amorous poses and moods.

Parasurameswara Temple is one of the oldest surviving temples, built in 650 AD. Portraiting is one of the best examples of the Orissa style of temple architecture. This temple of Orissa follows very rigid parameters set by the ritualistic books.

Brahmeswara Temple Brahmeswara Temple is situated around a kilometer which is east of the main road. The temple is noted for its very finely-detailed sculptures. The temple stands in a courtyard flanked by four smaller temples.

Nearby tourist places to Mukteshwar Temple Bhubaneshwar Konark Puri

1. Through Air - the Biju Patnaik airport in Bhubaneshwar is the only civil airport in Orissa.


2. Through Railways- the city of Bhubaneshwar is well connected with the rail network and Bhubaneshwar is a major railhead.


3. Through Roadways- the city is well connected with the road network.