The Mukteshvara Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is an active Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It dates to about 950 to 975 CE, and it was built before the Brahmeswara Temple of 1060. The patron is not confirmed. The temple is regarded as the earliest work of the Somavamshi period and is called the Gem of Odisha architecture.
Its arched gateway, or torana, shows Buddhist architectural influence and carries carved female figures, monkeys and peacocks. The roof over the hall is pyramidal, the first of its kind in the region. The spire stands about 34 feet (10.5 meters) tall and carries four figures of Nataraja and four kirtimukha faces. An octagonal compound wall has niches for deities including Saraswati, Ganesha and Lakulisha.
A tank called the Marichi Kunda lies on the east side. A three-day Mukteswar Dance Festival is held each year, featuring Odissi dance and music.
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