History: The temple's history is believed to date back to the late 11th century, supported by an inscription taken from Bhubaneswar to Kolkata. This inscription reveals that Kolavati Devi, mother of Somavamsi king Udyota Kesari, was responsible for the temple's construction. It was created with four Natyasalas (dance halls) at Siddhatirtha in Ekamra, which is modern-day Bhubaneswar. The inscription recorded during Udyotakesari's 18th year of rule corresponds to 1060 AD, but since the inscription's original context is unclear, some historians suggest it may refer to a different temple. Nonetheless, the temple's features and location align with the details of the inscription.
Architecture The temple's architecture is classified as ‘panchayatan’, featuring a main shrine surrounded by four smaller shrines in each corner. The temple's later origin has resulted in a well-developed structure compared to earlier temples. Brahmeswara Temple is one of the more finished examples of the Odishan temple styles. It consists of a ‘Vimaan’ and a ‘Jagamohan’ both being ‘pancharath’ in plan. Traditional architectural techniques involving wood carving on stone are evident throughout the structure. The temple is pyramid-shaped and boasts elaborate interior and exterior carvings.
The temple's ‘vimaan’ (pyramid shaped multi-storied structure over sanctum sanctorum of a temple) stands is a tall structure. The height of the vimana or the sanctum is 18.96 meter (62 feet) high and also has a ‘panchanga bada’ which gave the structure almost a rounded shape unlike the earliest temples, which are somewhat square in appearance. The ‘baranda’ is a single broad moulding which depicts various animals and birds. The upper and the lower ‘janghas’ are demarcated by a single moulding. The ‘mastak’ contains all the component members of a fullfledged Orissan Jagamohan i.e. beki (neck), ghanta, amalak, amla (ribbed-disk), khapuri (skull), kalash and trident (ayudha), the weapon of the deity.
The layout of Brahmeswara Temple complex includes two connected buildings: ‘Jagmohan’ (assembly hall in a Hindu temple for the devotees) and ‘Shikhar’ (towering sanctuary). Among the dated temples, it is the earliest one where iron beams have been used in the fullfledged porch of Jagmohan. Jagmohan is provided with two windows on the north and south sides consisting of some female figures and, they also depict the scenes of dance and music performance very nicely. Jagmohan of this temple has a more refined and elegant appearance than all the earlier temples, though it is similar in shape with that of the temples of Muktesvara, Kedaresvara etc. The ceiling of Jagamohan is carved elaborately like that of Mukteswara Temple. It contains sculptures in several tiers ending with a full-blown lotus in the centre and with ‘naga’ figures in the corner. Later additions include a dance hall and banquet hall in front of these structures.
Brahmeswara Temple bears similarities to the earlier Mukteswara Temple, particularly in the carved interior of Jagmohan and sculptural iconography like the lion head motif, which originated in Mukteswara Temple. Notably, Brahmeswara Temple introduces numerous musicians and dancers, depicted holding lutes on its exterior walls, and features iron beams for the first time in temple architecture. The temple's sandstone walls are adorned with symbolic carvings and depictions of godlike figures that aid in meditation. Floral designs, flying figures, and tantric imagery are present in the doorframe carvings. The temple also features images of the eight directional Guardian Deities (Dikpals), Chamunda holding a trident and human head, and various depictions of Shiva and other deities in their terrifying forms.
In nutshell, Brahmeswara Temple is a fine temple which shows mature workmanship and advanced architectural features. For the first time, both on the cubical and curvilinear portions of the main structure, the miniature replicas of the pidha and the khakara temples, some half finished and some fully carved are found here. In no other temple except this the miniature replicas of the pidha temple appear as decorations, one of the decorative motifs, the ‘gajasimha’ which is absent in all the earlier temples becomes a definite feature in all later important temples. It is singular too in having its interior as well as its exterior most elaborately carved and decorated whereas the carvings in all other temples except the great tower, were confined to the exterior walls. Thus, in its characteristic feature and appearance, Brahmeswara Temple offers the nearest approach to the great Lingaraj Temple.