Sambalpur Anantasaayi Vishnu Temple, Odisha

Address

Kamlibazar, Sambalpur,

Odisha

Moolavar

Vishnu

Introduction

The Anantasayi Vishnu Temple in Sambalpur City, Sambalpur District, Odisha, India, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Anantasayi Vishnu Temple is situated in Sambalpur City, Odisha, on the left bank of the Mahanadi River. It is located on the left side of the road leading from Kunjelpada to Bada Bazar.

Puranic Significance

The temple was constructed by Balarama Deva, who was the founder of the Chauhan Dynasty of Sambalpur. Balarama Deva is believed to have ruled during the years 1575 to 1595 AD. According to legend, the idol of Anantasayi Vishnu was brought by Princess Surguja as part of her dowry after her marriage to Balarama Deva. In honor of this deity, Balarama Deva built the Anantasayi Vishnu Temple.

Special features

Architecture: The Anantasayi Vishnu Temple faces east and features an entrance arch. Just after the entrance arch, there is a Garuda stambha. The main temple structure consists of a square vimana (sanctum) and a pillared mandapa (assembly hall). The mandapa is open on all sides and stands on a raised platform. The vimana follows the Rekha Deula style of architecture. The niches around the vimana contain idols of various deities, including Trivikrama, Varaha, Narasimha, four-armed Mahisasuramardini Durga, Kartikeya, and Govardhanadhari Krishna.

Main Deity: The sanctum sanctorum houses the central idol of Lord Vishnu in his Anantasayana form. In this form, Lord Vishnu is depicted as reclining on the coil of the seven-hooded serpent, Ananta. He rests on his right side with his head on his right hand. His three other hands hold a chakra (discus), a Sankha (conch), and an ornamented gada (mace). The canopy over his head is formed by the hood of the serpent. From Lord Vishnu’s navel, Brahma is seen emerging, signifying the creation of the universe. Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, is depicted massaging his left foot.