- Search
- Advance Search
-
- Print this page
Send to your friend -
Click to rate Content (3.08/660)
-
Share this article
Mukteshvara Temple - BHUVANESHWAR
The most perfect "gem of Orissan architecture", Mukteshvara Temple (late tenth century). Stylistically it is petite, and a landmark in Orissan temple development. enclosure, which boasts several other temples, and has its own small ornamental enclosure wall around it. The Mukteshvara Temple faces west and on the eastern side, behind it, is a holy water pond where pilgrims can still be seen bathing. In front of the temple is a beautiful opulent gateway.It has two sculpted pillars that hold up an arched lintel with reclining women whose sensuous forms follow the curve of the gateway. From a distance one is able to appreciate its overall design and plan. The temple consists of a sanctum with a conical rekha deul above it. The tower is made up of horizontal levels and a series of amalaka and cushion-like motifs have been added along the entire outline of the rekha deul as if to outline and highlight its elegant form In front is a square mandap or jagamohan with a low pyramidal tiered roof that was to become the hallmark to the mature Orrisian temple style. The outer temple wall is profusely adorned with pure, decorative sculpture and figurative art.
There are figures of celestial females standing beside half-open doorways and elfish dwarf characters up to all kinds of tricks. Around the temple in the niches, are Ganesh, Kartikeya, Parvati, and the strange of Lakulisha, the Shaivite teacher and guru.
Related Articles - Print this page
-
- Great Indian Arts
- Great Indian Monuments
- Great Indian Customs