Located in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon District, Mukteshwar is the most attractive hill stations here. Nearly 51 km from Nainital, Mukteshwar is a small hill station well-known for its dazzling view of the Himalayan ranges and adventurous sports. It is named after the 350 years old Lord Shiva Temple called Mukteshwar Dham. With narrow lanes and lush green trails, Mukteshwar is famous for trekking, rappelling, and rock climbing. Other major attractions include the rolling meadows, coniferous forests, picturesque orchids, and small homes and cottages constructed in the picturesque colonial style.
The key attraction of Mukhteshwar is the Mukteshwar Dham Temple devoted to Lord Shiva. Located on a hill’s top, the stone staircase takes you to the abode of the deity. It’s believed that God Shiva killed a deadly demon here and also granted him salvation, hence it got its name Mukteshwar. Moreover, Mukteshwar Dham was a residence to Saint Shri Mukteshwar Maharaj, who resided in a cottage here. It is a perfect place for meditation. Since it is a narrow mud way through the coniferous forest and fruit orchids, tourists can choose to either trek or drive to the temple. Mukteshwar, derived from Mukti- means Salvation – draws devotees from around the world to observe the 350 years old elegant and elaborate workmanship and pretty culture. The temple also offers an impressive panoramic sight of the snow-covered Himalayas that include imperative peaks like Trishul, Nanadakot, and the Nanda Devi, the second-highest peak of India. This iconic temple is among those religious sites that are far from the commercial activities and rusk of the usual temples and let devotees connect themselves quickly to the heavenly power. Many devtas and even Pandavas are known to have visited this temple and also graced it by their presence. Many important religious events and ceremonies take place in this temple by the Lord Shiva devotees. According to another belief, the couples who are trying to conceive but are unable to do this soon get blessed with a child by offering prayers in this Mukestwar Temple with lamps in their hand.
Mukteshwar Temple is a Gem of the Odisha Architecture. This tourist attraction falls on the protected monuments list of India. The temple’s architecture is exclusive and Lord Shiva’s lingas with many sculptures form different types of meditating poses can be seen all around the temple. The highlighting aspect of this temple undoubtedly is the highly adorned arch called the Torana that is the main sign of Buddhist architecture. This Torana comprises of very beautiful carvings of ornaments, women, etc.