Sambalpur Anantasaayi Vishnu Temple, Odisha

Address

Sambalpur Anantasaayi Vishnu Temple, Odisha

Kamlibazar, Sambalpur,

Odisha

Moolavar

Vishnu

Introduction

• The Anantasayi Vishnu Temple, located in Sambalpur City of Odisha, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Situated on the left bank of the Mahanadi River, the temple is a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in the region.
• It is easily accessible, located on the left side of the road connecting Kunjelpada to Bada Bazar.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple was constructed by Balarama Deva, the founder of the Chauhan Dynasty of Sambalpur, who ruled from 1575 to 1595 AD.
• According to legend, the idol of Anantasayi Vishnu was brought to Sambalpur as part of the dowry of Princess Surguja, following her marriage to Balarama Deva.
• To honor the deity, Balarama Deva established this temple, which has since become a revered site of worship and historical significance.

Special Features:

1. Architecture:

• The temple showcases the Rekha Deula style of architecture, a hallmark of Odishan temple design.
• The main structure includes:
  • A square-shaped vimana (sanctum).
  • A pillared mandapa (assembly hall) that is open on all sides and rests on a raised platform.
  • An entrance arch leading to the Garuda Stambha (a pillar dedicated to Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu).
• The vimana features intricately carved niches containing idols of various deities, including:
  • Trivikrama (Vishnu’s form as a dwarf expanding to the universe).
  • Varaha (the boar incarnation).
  • Narasimha (the man-lion incarnation).
  • Mahisasuramardini Durga (a four-armed depiction of the goddess defeating the buffalo demon).
  • Kartikeya (the god of war).
  • Govardhanadhari Krishna (Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill).

2. Main Deity:

• The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Vishnu in his Anantasayana form, symbolizing cosmic rest and creation.
• In this unique depiction:
  • Lord Vishnu reclines on the coils of Ananta, the seven-hooded serpent whose hood forms a canopy over his head.
  • Vishnu rests on his right side, with his head supported by his right hand.
  • His other hands hold symbolic items:
    • Chakra (discus).
    • Sankha (conch).
    • Gada (mace).
  • From his navel, Lord Brahma emerges, signifying the origin of the universe.
  • Goddess Lakshmi, his consort, is seen seated at his feet, massaging his left foot, a depiction of devotion and service.

Century/Period

1575 – 1595 AD

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Sambalpur

Nearest Railway Station

Sambalpur Junction

Nearest Airport

Jharsuguda

Location on Map

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