Mukteshwar Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport.

• By train

  Bhubaneswar is the nearest railway station.

• By road

  The temple is easy to reach by road within Bhubaneswar city.

Why devotees come here

Mukteshwar Temple is a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is known for its torana, the arched gateway, which dates to about 900 CE and is the most important feature of the temple. The shikara, its tower, is 10.5 metres (34 ft) tall and carved all over.

Mukteshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, worshipped here as Mukteswara. The name is said to symbolise liberation. Legend links it to King Yayati, who was freed from the limits that rival kings had placed on him.

Dating differs between sources. One gives 950 to 975 CE and another 875 to 904 CE. One government listing credits King Jajati I of the Somavansi dynasty with building it. One scholar suggests 966 CE and King Yayati I as the builder, but no historic evidence confirms this.

The temple is built in the Pitha Deula style, with a square plan and a pyramidal roof. The vimana, the sanctum tower, stands on a raised platform with pilasters on each face. The shikara is 10.5 metres (34 ft) tall and carved all over. The torana has lion heads, makara motifs and pearl-like carvings. Inside the sanctum doorway is an image of Ketu, flanked by three hooded snakes.

Festivals

• Three-day yearly eventMukteswar Dance Festival

  An Odissi dance festival held on the temple premises. Odisha Tourism organises it, and it is one of the city's marquee events.

Tips for your visit

• The temple is illuminated at night.
• Inside the inner sanctum, look for the doorway adorned with an image of Ketu flanked by three hooded snakes.

Questions people ask