Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a temple that is not only a place of worship but also a masterpiece of art and architecture? A temple that is surrounded by scenic beauty and offers a variety of activities for adventure seekers? A temple that has a rich history and legend that dates back to ancient times? If you are looking for such a temple, then you should definitely visit Mukteshwar Temple, a divine destination for Shiva devotees and nature lovers.
Mukteshwar Temple is a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme god of Hinduism. The name Mukteshwar means “the lord of liberation” or “the one who bestows moksha (salvation)”. There are two temples with this name in two different locations in India: one in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, and the other in Mukteshwar town, a hill station in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Both these temples are famous for their exquisite architecture, stunning views, and spiritual significance. In this article, we will explore the history, features, and attractions of both these temples and help you plan your trip to this divine destination.
Mukteshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar
Mukteshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar is a 10th-century Hindu temple that is considered to be one of the finest examples of Kalinga architecture, the style of temple building that flourished in Odisha from the 7th to the 13th centuries. The temple is located in the old town of Bhubaneswar, near the Bindu Sagar lake, and is part of a complex that includes other temples such as Siddheswara Temple and Rameswara Temple.
The temple is built of sandstone and has a square plan with a pyramidal roof. The most striking feature of the temple is its arched gateway or torana, which is decorated with intricate carvings of floral motifs, animals, and human figures. The gateway also has sculptures of Shiva’s attendants, such as Nandi (the bull), Ganesha (the elephant-headed god), and Kartikeya (the god of war). The gateway leads to a spacious courtyard where the main shrine or vimana stands. The vimana has a rekha deula style, which means it has a curvilinear spire that rises above the sanctum sanctorum where the lingam (the symbol of Shiva) is installed.
The temple also has a hall or mukhasala in front of the vimana, which has four pillars supporting a flat roof. The hall has beautiful carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the marriage of Shiva and Parvati (his consort), the slaying of demon Tripurasura by Shiva, and the story of Markandeya (a devotee who was saved from death by Shiva). The hall also has windows or jharokhas that allow natural light to enter the temple.
The temple is not only a marvel of art and architecture but also a source of knowledge and inspiration for scholars and students of Hinduism. The temple has inscriptions that record the names of the builders, patrons, and priests who were involved in its construction and maintenance. The temple also has sculptures that depict various aspects of Hindu philosophy, such as yoga, meditation, tantra, and astrology. The temple is also regarded as an important landmark in the study of Hindu temples in Odisha, as it marks the transition from the early phase to the mature phase of Kalinga architecture.
The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year, especially during festivals such as Shivaratri (the night of Shiva) and Makar Sankranti (the harvest festival). The temple also offers a serene atmosphere for meditation and prayer, as well as a glimpse into the rich culture and heritage of Odisha.
How To visit Mukteshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar
To visit Mukteshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar, you can take a flight, train, or bus to Bhubaneswar city and then hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the old town area where the temple is located. The temple is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day and there is no entry fee. You can also visit other nearby attractions such as Lingaraj Temple (another famous Shiva temple), Rajarani Temple (a temple dedicated to love), Dhauli Hill (a Buddhist site where Emperor Ashoka renounced violence), and Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves (ancient rock-cut caves with Jain sculptures).
Mukteshwar Temple in Nainital
Mukteshwar Temple in Nainital is a hilltop temple that is situated at an altitude of 2312 meters above sea level in Mukteshwar town, a popular hill station in Uttarakhand. The temple is believed to be more than 350 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as Chauli Ki Jali, which means “the rock with a hole”, as it has a natural hole in the rock face that is said to grant wishes to those who pass through it.
The temple is surrounded by dense forests of pine, oak, and deodar trees and offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli. The temple is also a hotspot for adventure sports and activities, such as rock climbing, paragliding, trekking, and camping. The temple is also a place of pilgrimage for Shiva devotees, who come here to seek his blessings and witness his miracles.
According to legend, the temple was built by a sage named Mukteshwar Maharaj, who performed penance here and attained moksha (liberation) from the cycle of birth and death. The legend also says that Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of a white bull and fought with a demon named Bhasmasur, who had obtained a boon from Shiva that he could turn anyone into ashes by touching their head. Shiva tricked the demon into touching his own head and thus saved the world from his menace. The temple has a white marble shivling (the symbol of Shiva) that is said to be the remains of the bull’s body. The temple also has idols of other gods and goddesses, such as Parvati, Ganesha, Hanuman, and Brahma.
The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year to Nainital, especially during festivals such as Shivaratri (the night of Shiva) and Basant Panchami (the spring festival).
How To visit Mukteshwar Temple in Nainital
To visit Mukteshwar Temple in Nainital, you can take a flight, train, or bus to Kathgodam or Haldwani city and then hire a taxi or a bus to reach Mukteshwar town, which is about 50 km away. The temple is open from 6 am to 7 pm every day and there is no entry fee. You can also visit other nearby attractions such as Dhanachuli (a picturesque village), IVRI (a veterinary research institute), Ramgarh (a fruit orchard), and Bhalu Gaad Waterfall (a scenic waterfall).
Conclusion
Mukteshwar Temple is a divine destination for Shiva devotees and nature lovers who want to explore the history, architecture, and attractions of this sacred site in two different locations in India: Bhubaneswar and Nainital. Whether you are looking for a spiritual journey or an adventurous escapade, you will find something to suit your taste and preference at this temple. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and experience the bliss and beauty of Mukteshwar Temple.
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