The visit to this Sri Mukeswwara
Temple at Bhubaneswar, Odisha was a part of the “Kalinga and Ottara Desa Heritage
Walk” organized by சோழ மண்டல வரலாற்றுத் தேடல் குழு, between 13th to 18th September 2024. The purpose of this Heritage walk was to see the places,
monuments, etc., which are directly or indirectly connected as proof of
Rajendra Chozha’s victory mentioned in his meikeerthi/title over Kalinga and
Ottara Desa, the present Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
The temple complex consists of
three temples Shree Muktheswara Temple, Shree Siddheswarar Temple, and Shree
Rameswara Temple.
Shree Mukteswara Temple
Main Deity : Shree Mukteswara
Some of the Salient features
of this temple are….
This Mukteswara Temple is
facing west. Mukteswara Temple is one of the most beautiful temples of
Bhubaneswar showcasing an elegantly ornate façade that marks the transition
between the earlier and mature temples of Odisha. Hence, it is famous as the "Gem of Kalingan architecture". The exquisite Torana, the only of its
kind in Odisha, is one of the notable features of this temple. As one steps in,
one can find the architectural plan engraved on the temple floor. One out of
the six shrines in the front is of khakra order.
ARCHITECTURE
The Mukteswar Temple at
Bhubaneswar acclaimed as the "gem of Odishan architecture", is one of
the most refined and beautiful temples of Odisha. The temple marks the end of the early phase and anticipates the next phase of experimentation of temple
architecture with related plastic art and iconography. The temple stands within
a low Compound wall with a lavishly decorated Mangala torana in front, a unique
feature in Odishan temple art. The temple (10.5m height) consisting of a rekha
deul and pidha jagamohana, faces west. The deul is pancharatha on plan and
stands on a low platform. The exterior of the temple is Lavishly ornamented
with graceful nayikas carved in alto relievo, naga/nagi pilasters, bhara-
rakshasas elegant arabesque motifs, Ganga, Yamuna, Natraja, the peculiar bho
motif consisting of a large chaitya arch medallion flanked by dwarfish figures
on the front portion of the deula sikhara, etc. The jagamohana is a pidha deul
and has two latticed windows on the north and south. The outermost frames of
the windows depict humorous scenes from monkey life. The ceiling of the
jagamohara is delicately carved in the form of a full-blown lotus and contains representations of Virabhadra and Saptamatrikas with babies in their laps.
SIDDESWARA TEMPLE
Main Deity: Shree Siddheswra
This Siddheswara Temple, faces
east, situated on the northwest edge of the complex consisting of both vimana
and pyramidal jagamohana. The Vimana is of rekha Deula and Jagamohan is of
pidha style.
RAMESWARAM TEMPLE
Main Deity: Shree Rameswara
The Rameswara temple, faces
west, on the Southeast corner of the Temple Complex. The temple is only with a
Sanctum Sanctorum. The vimana is square on plan and occupies the space of 3.65 meters
(L) x 3.65 meters (W)
The temple is devoid of
sculptural embellishments except for the dwarapala in the doorjamb
niches, Graha panel in the architrave, and Gajalaxmi in
the lalatabimba. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and Triangabada in elevation.
construction Rekha vimana. Built with Sandstone, Ashlar
dry masonry technique.
Apart from the three temples, the temple tank and Parivar sannidhis are in the same Complex.
Pranala
HISTORY
Since there is no inscriptional
evidence found in this temple to prove its antiquity, stylistically, the temple
is assignable to circa 10th century CE.
Ref:
1. Archaeological Survey of India
Website
2. Display board at the entrance of the Temple.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
PC: website
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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