Information of Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

The Ananta Vasudeva Temple is located in Khurda District in Bhubaneswar of the Indian state of Orissa. It is located on the eastern side of the Bindu Sarobar Lake. It is a Hindu temple and Lord Krishna is worshipped in this temple. Lord Krishna is one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu the Supreme God for the Hindus. Vasudeva is another name given to Lord Krishna and the temple constructed for him resembles other Hindu temples in the area.

Ananta Vasudeva Temple Religious Significance

The temple of Anantavasudeva is the only temple in Bhubaneshwar belonging to the Vaisnavite sect other only being of the Saivism sect who worships Lord Shiva. The Vaisnavite sect of Hinduisms is the ones who worship Lord Vishnu as their Supreme God and Lord Krishna is considered as his incarnation. Lord Vishnu is said to incarnate or appear in any form if there is evil and restores Dharma, Krishna being one of them. Krishna incarnated to kill his evil uncle kansha.

The most important festival celebrated in the Ananta Vasudeva temple is Krishna Janmaasthami. This auspicious day is the birthday of Lord Krishna and thousands of devotees flock the temple on this day. Lord Krishna is offered with tons of butter, milk and curd on this day by all the devotees. The temple allows the entry of Hindus and is open throughout the year.

Ananta Vasudeva Temple Mythology & History

The presiding Ananta Vasudeva Temple was built by Queen Chandrika the daughter of Anangabhima III at the time of King Bhanudev's rule of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is said to have been constructed in the 13th century and is part of the medieval period structures. The year of construction of the temple has been estimated as 1278 AD. It is said that Vishnu temple was originally present at the location of the Ananta Vasudeva Temple. There used to an image if Lord Vishnu in the old temple. Queen Chandrika got a vision to construct the temple hence establishing the current temple. It was later improved by the rulers of Maratha dynasty during the 17th century.

An image on a wall of the temple shows a legend of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu appears as one of his Avataars "Varaha", his boar incarnation with tusks. Mother earth had sunk into the ocean so Varaha dived into it and carried mother earth by his two tusks and his huge snout.

Ananta Vasudeva Temple Architectural Significance

The Ananta Vasudeva temple is built in the Kalinga architecture and is similar to the famous Lingaraj temple. It includes common features from the ancient Odissi art and culture. Like various other temples it consists of a Viamana housing the sanctum sanctorum, a Jagamohana the worship hall, natamandira and the bhogmandapa the banquet hall. There is Shikara or a tiered spire elevated as a tower like structure.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of idols of Lord Krishna, his brother Balarama and Krishna's wide Subhadra. The idols are beautifully decorated with ornaments. The idol of Krishna is holding a conch and a mace while the idol of Balarama is sheltered by a seven hooded serpent.

The walls of the temple are carved with many intricate designs similar to other temples located in Bhubaneswar. There are sculptures of female figures whose identity is unknown. There are images of Lord Vishnu in different forms. Large varieties of figures are carved on the walls inside as well as outside the temple with minute detail and decorations. The female sculptures of unknown origin are ornamented and decorated beautifully. The figures enhance an environment for meditation and serenity. The environment is peaceful and surrounded by gardens.