Saranga Anantashayana Vishnu- Odisha

Address

Saranga Anantashayana Vishnu- Saranga Village, Dhenkanal district Odisha 759146

Deity

Anantashayana Vishnu

Introduction:

• Name: Anantashayi Vishnu (also known as Anantashayana Vishnu)
• Meaning: Literally translates to “Vishnu sleeping on the serpent Shesha.”
• Location: Saranga village, Dhenkanal district, Odisha, India
• River: Situated on the left bank of the Brahmani River
• Image: Large open-air rock-cut sculpture of Lord Vishnu reclining on Shesha Naga
• Size: 15.4 meters (51 feet) in length, 7 meters (23 feet) in width, and 0.7 meters (2 feet 4 inches) in thickness
• Date: Carved during the early 9th century
• Protection: Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (Bhubaneswar Circle)

Puranic Significance:

• Historical Era: Sculpted during the reign of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty (9th century)
• Patronage: Carvings were commissioned by the Nandodhbahav feudatory rulers under the Bhaumakara kings, who were followers of Vaishnavism
• Iconography: Vishnu is shown reclining on Shesha Naga (the great serpent) with the primal lotus from which Brahma is born emerging from his navel
• Cultural Importance: Symbolizes Vishnu as the Creator and Preserver in a state of cosmic rest

Beliefs:

• Ananta’s Role: Shesha Naga, the serpent king, spreads his hoods over Lord Vishnu’s head as a protective crown
• Symbolism: Vishnu is believed to be in a state of cosmic sleep, enjoying the peaceful bliss of the universe while resting on the waters of the Brahmani River

Festivals:

• Vishuvazakranthi: A festival linked to the celebration of the vernal equinox
• Devtesvaduadasi: Another important religious event associated with the temple

Century/Period/Age

9th century CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Talcher

Nearest Railway Station

Dhenkanal

Nearest Airport

Bhubaneswar

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