This architecture is one of the basic reasons why Mukteshvara Temple is also known as the "Gem of Odisha architecture" or "Kalinga Architecture" . The temple faces west and is constructed in a lower basement amidst a group of temples. The pyramidal roof to the
jagamohana present in the temple was the first of its kind over the conventional two tier structure. The temple is a small one compared to other larger temples in Bhubaneswar. The temples is enclosed within an octagonal compound wall with elaborate carvings on it. It is believed that the experiment of newer pattern in the temple showed a mature phase compared to its predecessors and culminated the beginning of replication of similar pattern in the later temples in the city. The temple has a porch, called
torana, which acts as the gateway to the octagonal compound. The temple has two structures namely, the
vimana (structure above the sanctum) and a
mukhasala, the leading hall, both of which are built on a raised platform. The temple is the earliest to be built in
pithadeula type.
Porch The most important feature of the Mukteshvara Temple is the
torana, or the arched gateway, dating back to about 900 CE and showing the influence of
Buddhist architecture. The arched gateway has thick pillars that have strings of beads and other ornaments carved on statues of smiling women in languorous repose. The porch is a walled chamber with a low, massive roof and internal pillars. The combination of vertical and horizontal lines is skillfully arranged so as to give dignity to buildings of moderate height. This early astylar form of the temple is best illustrated in this temple. The gateway has sculptures that range from elaborate scrolls to pleasant female forms and figures of monkeys and peacocks.
Vimana The
Vimana is square in plan and is built in a raised platform with pilasters in each facade. The
shikara is small compared to other temples; it has four
Natarajas and four
kirthimukhas on the four faces. The top portion of the
shikara has the
kalasa. Except for the rectangular plan of its
jagamohana, it is the earliest example of what may be termed proper Odisha temple type; a
vimana with a curvelinear spire and a
jaganmohana with a stepped pyramidal roof. The temple's red sandstone is covered with exquisite carvings of lean
sadhus or holy men and voluptuous women encrusted with jewels. The images of
Ganga and
Yamuna are carved next to
Chanda and
Prachanda. The
torana is present in front of the
jagamohana. The figure of Lakulisa, seated in
bhumispara-mudra and holding a
lakuta is present on the lintel of the
jagamohana. The figures of
Gajalakshmi,
Rahu and
Ketu are also sculpted in the structure. A small extension from the side roof of the
jagamohana has the image of a lion sitting on its hind legs. The exterior walls of the structure are decorated with pilasters with
nagas and
naginis.
Others The doorway to the inner sanctum houses the image of
Ketu with three hooded snakes, commonly regarded as the ninth planet in the Hindu mythology. There is a tank in the eastern side of the temple and a well in the south-western corner. A dip in the first known as the
Marichi Kunda is believed to cure infertility in women. There are other shrines within the temple complex with
lingam inside, which were used as offering shrines. The doorway of the temple is ornate. The temple is enclosed by a low compound wall that follows the contours of the temple. The temple has sculptures both inside and outside the structure. The compound walls leaves a very small passage separating the shrine. ==Religious significance==