Muktheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Muktheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Muktheeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located in the Kanchipuram Town. This Temple is located near to Vaikuntha Vasa Perumal Temple at the back side of Ulagalandha Perumal temple. The temple is in dilapidated state and has inscriptions dating back to the Pallava period. The sculpture in front mandapa (hall) has bold outlines. This Temple is under the control of Tamilnadu Archaeology Department. This Temple is famous for its sculptures.

Muktheeswarar Temple is also called Dharmamahadevi Iswaram, after the name of Nandivarman - II queen, as revealed by the inscription found in the temple and the Matangesvara also constructed during the reign of Nandivarman Pallava. This Temple is square, three tier Vesara type vimana with circular griva and sikhara. This is earliest extant temples to possess a circular griva and sikhara though the model of this form is represented in the Bhima ratha, at Mamallapuram.

The Temple is standing with their front mandapa on a raised adhishtana, which is again placed on upapitha and the pattika over the adhishtana, the whole temple is built of sandstone. First and second tiers of the temple have haramala consisting of karnakutas and salas. The third tier is devoid of haramala, but carries four Nandis at the corners. Sculpture on the walls of the temple is mostly sun relief. These may have been carved several years after the original construction.