Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar – The Temple

Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar – The Temple

Ananta Vasudeva Temple is the second biggest temple of Bhubaneswar after the famous Lingaraja Temple. The temple is definitely one of the most beautiful temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple resembles the Lingaraj temple in architecture but dedicated to Vishnu. The temple has longitudinal bands of miniature shikharas (shrines), exactly like those in Lingaraj temple, with the minor difference that the number of the shikharas forming one longitudinal band in its case is only three. The sculpture in the exterior walls varies in character in each temple in Bhubaneswar. Most of the female sculptures in the temple walls are overly ornamanted and lack originality.

The Temple is facing west. Most of the temples in Bhubaneswar have only Garbha Griha (sanctum Sanctorum) and Jagmohana. However, this temple has Nata mandapam and bhoga mandapam. It is almost a reduced copy of the Lingaraja temple, but the grouping of the four component parts, with their roofs presenting the appearance of ascending peaks culminating in the highest 'Mastaka' of the 'Deul' at a height of 18.29m, is more effective. It is further distinguished by an ornamental platform, relieved with 'Khakhara-Mundis', carved pilasters, 'Nagas', 'Nagis' and 'Vidalas' between two sets of three mouldings each.

Though the 'Deul' is 'Pancha-Ratha' on plan, a new feature is introduced in the division of the corner 'Ratha' of the 'Bada' in two equal parts, both on the same plane; the inner one is crowned by a miniature 'Rekha' above the mouldings of the 'veranda'. The facets of the 'Rathas' are richly imprinted with fine scrollwork, 'Jali', creepers and flower-shaped motifs, the central facets of the corner 'Ratha' having female figures. The 'Khakhara-Mundis' on the intermediary 'Rathas' of the lower 'Jangha' contain the eight 'Dikpalas', seated on their respective mounts, while the corresponding spaces on the upper 'Jangha' have their female counterparts.

The 'Parsva-Devatas' are three of the ten incarnations of Vishnu, of which the four-armed "Varaha and Trivikrama", both mutilated, now exist in the south and north niches respectively. As in the Lingaraja temple, there were porches in front of the 'Parsva-Devatas', only the eastern one now standing. In the decoration of the 'Bada', the 'Jagamohana' closely follows the 'Deul'. The 'Dikpalas' and their female counterparts are also depicted here in the 'Khakhara' and 'Pidha-Mundis' of the lower and upper 'Janghas' between the corner and intermediary 'Rathas'. The carvings on the central projections containing a banister window are neatly done. The banisters of the north window have the figures of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and a monkey-attendant.

The sanctum sanctorum has rekha type vimana. All other parts of the temple have pidha order. All the parts of the temple are pancha ratha on plan and pancha anga bada in elevation. The idols of Balarama (Ananta), Krishna (Basudeva) and Subhadra are enshrined in the sanctum. This is similar to the popular Puri Jagannath temple. However, unlike the Puri temple where the deities are made up of wood, these deities are made of black granite stone. Because of this feature only, the city gains its name as Chakra kshetra (circular place), whereas Puri is named Shankha kshetra (curved place). Here, Krishna holds mace, discus, lotus and conch. Subhadra holds lotus and jewels pot and her left foot is placed over another jewel pot. Balarama stands under a seven hooded serpent. 

The biggest kitchen of Bhubaneswar is present in this temple. The food prepared here is considered as holy (prasad). Even people of Bhubaneswar buy prasad from this temple for the functions and rituals at their home. An inscription, originally belonging to this temple but now in the hall of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain, London, the temple was built in A.D. 1278 at the instance of 'Chandra-Devi', daughter of 'Anangabhima' III, during the reign of the latter's grandson 'Bhanudeva' on the bank of 'Bindu-Saras' for 'Baladeva' ('Ananta'), 'Subhadra' and Krishna ('Vasudeva') and proving thereby the existence of the tank before that date.