Mukteswara Temple

Location: Bhubaneshwar, Orissa 
Built in: 950 A.D
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva 
Attraction: Gem of Orissan Architecture 

The 'Gem of Orissan Architecture' is the only phrase that goes well with Mukteswara Temple. Located in Bhubaneshwar, Mukteshwara Mandir is the best temple in the capital city of Orissa. The architectural temple can be reached easily from Bhubaneshwar, which is well-connected to other cities by air, rail and road. Built in 950 A.D, Mukteswara temple is literally a dream realized in sandstone. The temple is said to be the structure, where sculpture and architecture are in synchronization with one another.

Mukteswara Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is considered as the most complex Lord amongst the Hindu Gods. The term 'Mukteswara' suggests "Lord who gives freedom through Yoga" and this fact is further empowered by the sculptural images embraced in the temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Muketeswara, the entire temple is imprinted with figures of ascetics in different poses of meditation.

Inside the complex, there are several small shrines that comprise numerous lingams of Lord Shiva. The sculptural embellishment of the temple boasts of the sagacity of proportion and perspective of the artisans. It also portrays their distinctive talent in the accurate delineation of the minutest things. One more interesting feature about the temple is that it has got a well in its eastern part. It is believed that a dip in this holy well cures the problem of infertility.