Ananta Vasudeva Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu located in the main town of Bhuvaneswar in Odisha. The temple was built in the thirteenth century and houses the complete murti of Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra. The temple was built during the reign of King Bhanudeva in the 13th century AD by Chandrika Devi, the daughter of Anangabhima III.

Lord Vishnu’s idol was believed to be worshipped here long before the temple was built. The Marathas renovated the temple in the 17th century when they ruled Kalinga which is present-day Odisha. The idols found in the temple’s garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) are complete, as opposed to the images found at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The Shri murtis (idols) are made of black granite stone rather than wood, as in the Puri temple. The British Museum houses a commemorative inscription marking the temple’s foundation.

Significance of Ananta Vasudeva Temple

The temple’s primary importance is that it houses an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of Krishna. Vishnu temples are extremely rare in India, hence their significance. In addition, it is the only Vaishnav temple in Bhubaneswar. Devotees worship the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balaraman, and Goddess Subhadra who reside here.

Lord Balaram is seen under the hooded protection of a serpent, while Goddess Subhadra holds chakra, lotus, pot of gold, and conch in her hands. This sculpture is unique and can only be found in the AnataVasudev temple in Bhubaneswar.

One of the temple’s highlights is its kitchen, where Mahaprasad, also known as Abhada, is cooked in earthen pots with firewood and earthen stoves. This sacred temple food is served first to the deities, and then to devotees at Bhoga Bazaar, which is adjacent to the shrine. The overall atmosphere is similar to Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ananda Bazaar.

History of Ananta Vasudeva Temple

The Ananta Vasudeva Temple was built in the thirteenth century by Queen Chandrika Devi of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Before the temple’s construction, an idol of Lord Vishnu was believed to have been worshipped in the same location. The Marathas, who had extended their reign to Odisha (then Kalinga), renovated the shrine in the late 17th century.

The Ananta Vasudeva Temple celebrates the popular Hindu festival of Janmashtami, Lord Krishna’s birthday, with zeal. On this particular day, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. The atmosphere is quite spiritual, with prayer chants and devotional songs played throughout the premises.

The architecture of Ananta Vasudeva Temple

The Ananta Vasudeva Temple is well-known for its excellent Kalinga architecture. The shrine’s pillars and walls are engraved with images depicting chapters from various Vaishnavite scriptures. The Gopuram (entrance tower) of the shrine is also carved with images of various gods and goddesses depicting various historical stories. The temple also features long Shikharas (spires) carved with various images.

The main shrine is divided into four sections: the sanctum, Jagamohana, Bhogamandapa, and Natamandira. The main sanctum contains the idols of Lord Balarama, Lord Krishna, and Goddess Shubhadra. The idols of the deities, known as Shrimurtis, are made of black granite.

Lord Balarama’s idol is depicted as standing under a seven-hooded serpent, while Lord Krishna is depicted holding a conch, mace (gada), and chakra. The Goddess Shubhadra idol is depicted holding a pot and a lotus flower in her hands.

All prayers take place in the Jagamohana worship hall, while different festivals are held in the Natamandira. Bhogamandapa is the hall where devotees present offerings to the gods.

Facts about Ananta Vasudeva Temple

• Ananta Vasudeva Temple is a well-known Hindu temple on the eastern bank of the Bindu Sarovar in Bhubaneswar, about 4.5 kilometres from the Bhubaneswar railway station.
• Ananta Vasudeva Temple, located near Lingaraja Temple, is one of Bhubaneswar’s few Vaishnavite temples as well as one of the city’s top tourist attractions.
• The Ananta Vasudeva Temple, which dates back to the 13th century AD, houses the complete idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balarama, and Goddess Subhadra.
• According to legend, Lord Vishnu was worshipped at the current location of the Ananta Vasudeva Temple.
• The new temple was built in the 13th century by Queen Chandrika, Anangabhima III’s daughter, during the reign of King Bhanudeva.
• The Marathas, who extended their empire up to the Mahanadi River, were in charge of renovating the Vishnu Temple in Bhubaneswar in the late 17th century.
• This temple’s architecture is similar to that of the Lingaraja Temple, and it features Vaishnavite sculpture.
• It features longitudinal shikhara with exquisite carvings. The temple has a three-chambered frontal adjunct consisting of Jagamohana, Natamandira, and Bhogamandapa.
• It features longitudinal bands of miniature shrines adorned with ornaments. It is located in a walled compound alongside numerous structures.
• An image on the temple’s wall depicts the legend of Lord Vishnu as the Varaha avatar.
• In contrast to the images at the Puri Jagannath Temple, the idols found in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum have a complete structure.
• The deities are made of black granite stone rather than wood, as seen in the Puri temple.
• Balarama stands beneath a seven-hooded serpent, while Subhadra holds a jewel pot and a lotus in her two hands, resting her left foot on another jewel pot, and Krishna holds a mace, chakra, lotus, and a conch.

Famous Festivals In Ananta Vasudeva Temple

• Krishna Janmashtami – Lord Krishna was born on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Hindu month of Bhadra. The celebrations at the Temple begin early in the morning and continue until late at night.
• Dev-Jhulni Ekaadashi – On the 11th day of Bhadra- Shukla especially Dev-Jhulni Ekaadashi, a fair or mela is organized by the mandir mandal.
• Holi – This festival is celebrated in the month of  Phalgun (Feb – March). During the celebration, people celebrate with colours and also celebrate and enjoy in temples complex.

Best Time to Visit Ananta Vasudeva Temple

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How to Reach Ananta Vasudeva Temple

Ananta Vasudeva Temple is Located in Bhubaneswar City In Odisha.

By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport, the city’s main airport, is located 3.8 kilometres from the Ananta Vasudeva Temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Ananta Vasudeva Temple is The Bhubaneswar Railway Station which is only 4.2 kilometres away.

By Road: Bhubaneswar is well-connected by road to major cities in Odisha and other parts of India. The nearest bu stop is Rasulgadh. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the Ananta Vasudeva Temple from any nearby city.

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