The
small and elegant Mukteswara temple (c. AD 950) is often referred to as the
"miniature gem of Orissan architecture". The frequency with which
the term 'gem' is employed will be immediately appreciated with the very first
glimpse of this delicate, refined little structure. In addition to its beauty,
the Mukteswara is important as a transition point between the early and later
phases of the Kalinga school of temple architecture. The builder has successfully
combined many elements of the old with new designs and conceptions.
Many of the innovations took root, and became essential features of all later
temples. Because of this, one scholar has described the Mukteswara as "harbinger
of the new culture".
The 'torana' (arched gateway) of the Mukteswara deserves special attention.
Its extraordinarily beautiful sculpture includes elaborate scrolls, graceful
female figures, monkeys, peacocks, and a wealth of delicate and lovely decorative
detail.
On the eastern side of the temple compound is a sacred tank, and in the south
west corner is a well which is said to cure fertility problems. Several small
shrines will be noticed within the compound, many with lingam inside.These were
offering shrines depicting utmost faith in God for all purposes during that
era.
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