Ananta Vasudeva temple

Ananta Vasudeva temple is one of the major beautiful and oldest temples of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The temple is located near the Bindu Sarobor and the Lingaraja Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is believed the deity is related to Vaishnavite.

Lord Vishnu or Vasudeva, Lord Ananta or Balaram and devi Subhadra are worshipped here. The temple is covered with various beautiful and unique sculptures, figures and symbols. And also there are lots of female sculptures which are with ornamented and also there are other small temple located at the temple complex.

The temple is famous for its Kalinga architectures. The temple has mostly four parts, Vimana or assemble hall, Jagamohana, Nata Mandira and Bhoga Mandapa. The pillars and the walls which are the most interesting parts of the temple, are covered by various sculptures, which are drawn from the Vaishnavite scriptures.

The entrance tower is also known as Gopuram. It is also covered with various pictures of God and Goddess from mythological stories.

The Shrimurtis or the deities of the temple are made with black granite stones. Here lord Balaram or Lord Ananta is standing under the seven hooded Seshnag. Lord Vishnu hold gada, conch and a Chakra.

Devi Subhadra holds two lotuses in her two hands also a jewelry pot and she keep her left leg on another jewel pot. 

History of Temple

During the ruler of King Bhanu Deva II of Ganga dynasty, the temple was built in 13^th century by Chandrika Devi, queen of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is said that the real image or the idol of Lord Vishnu was worshipped in the place of temple, before 13^th century also. So it is said that, there must be some temple before the temple was constructed. And it is said that when Marathas extended their region in all over Odisha, they renovated the temple during 17^th century.

It is said that Ananta Vasudeva is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This historically significant temple is actually dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here in his form as Lord Vasudeva. It is also said that the main or presiding deity of Keshtra is Lord Visnhu or Lord Vasudeva. The Keshtra is also can be related to the Chakra Keshtra, which is same as Sudarshan Chakra which is holding by Lord Vishnu.

Best time to visit the temple

The temple remains opens everyday of the year. But it is better to avoid the season of summer from April to June. It is advisable to visit the temple in a winter season from October to February.

Timings of temple

Ananta Vasudeva temple remains open everyday of a week. Ananta Vasudeva temple opens at 6 AM in the morning and closes at 7 Pm. The entry fee for the temple is free for everyone.

Facts about Ananta Vasudeva Temple

• The temple was constructed during 13^th century by Ganga dynasty. But it is believed that there was an older temple located at the place of this temple. And after 17^th century the temple was again renovated by Marathas.
• People belief that worshipping the deity of Lord Vishnu here, will save them from the death and also help to survive from the cycle of birth and death.
• The temple was made of in both architectural mixture of Dravidian and Kalinga styles. The wall of the temple is covered with beautiful carved stone, unique sculptures. And the tower of the temple is also another highlight of the temple.
• There is a pillar, which is covered with various curvatures of God and Goddess. This sacred pillar of this temple, known as Brahma Padartha, is another major attraction of the temple. It is said that if people touch the pillar, it will fulfill their wish of prosperity and well-being.
• Ananta Vasudeva temple is a place for a Odissi cultural performances like Odissi dance cultures, classical music programme. Talented artists from the whole world come and join here to showcase their talents and make the heritage alive.
• There is a small pond or lake named Kapila Indra Sagar is located at the temple complex. This sacred lake makes the temple one of the attractions of people. It is believed that if people take a dip in this sacred pond, they will get blessings of God.
• The temple is located at the western side of the bank of Bindu Sagar.
• The temple is facing the direction of east, which is the side of the sun rising. It is also believed that the temple is facing east as the temple then can face the east direction of Lingaraj Temple and also the Bindu Sagar is located at the western side of Ananta Vasudeva temple.
• Here at the top of right-hand Lord Vishnu holds mace or Gada and in the bottom left hand he is holding Chakra, which is different from the actual idol of Lord Vishnu. As he holds chakra on his top right of hand. It is believed that it is related with the Mahabharat. As Lord Krishna in Mahabharat, told that he won’t use any weapon in the whole war, so he holds the Chakra in this bottom left hand.
• In the Ananta Vasudev temple, there are three idols. Lord Ananta is one of the incarnations of Lord Balaram or Seshnag and there is a hood of the Sesh Nag or Ananta Nag over his head. Also, Lord Vasudeva and Devi Subhadra are worshipped here in the temple.
• The major highlight of the temple is the Mahaprasad which is also called Abhada and this is prepared in the kitchen of the temple. It is prepared in the earthen stoves in a earthen pots by firewood. The Mahaprasad is first served to the deity and then to the people at Bhoga Bazar. This is similar to the Anada Bazaar of the Puri Jagannath Temple.
• Janmashtami is the major festival of the temple. That time lakhs of devotees come here to visit the idol of the deity and to take their blessings. 

How to Reach the Ananta Vasudeva Temple

Ananta Vasudeva temple is located at Khurda district of Bhubaneswar. It can be reached by bus, train and flight also.

By air: At a distance of 3.8 km Biju Patnaik international airport is located. From the airport buses, cars and auto are available to the temple.

By Train: In 4.2 km distance from the temple, Bhubaneswar Station is located. It is one of the major stations of Odisha. From the station auto, rickshaw is available to the temple.

By Bus: Gauri Nagar bus stop is the nearest bus stop of the temple. Also, Baramunda Bus stop is also located at Bhubaneswar, which is the biggest bus stop of Odisha. From the bus stop intercity buses as well as local buses are available to the temple.

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions