Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Anantasaayi Vishnu Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Anantasaayi Vishnu Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Anantasaayi Vishnu Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Sambalpur City in Sambalpur District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi.


History

The temple was built by the Balarama Deva (1575 – 1595 AD), founder of Chauhan Dynasty of Sambalpur. It is said that the idol of Anantasayi Vishnu was brought by the princess Surguja along with her as dowry after her marriage with Balarama Deva. Later, Balarama Deva built this temple in honour of the deity. The temple is now under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. Garuda stambha can be seen immediately after the entrance arch. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of a square vimana and a pillared Mandapa. The Mandapa is open to all sides. Both the Mandapa and Vimana stands on a raised platform. The Vimana follows Rekha Deula style architecture. Idols of Trivikrama, Varaha, Narasimha, four-armed Mahisasuramardini Durga, Kartikeya and Govardhanadhari Krishna can be seen in the niches around the Vimana.


The Sanctum houses an idol of four armed Anantasayana Vishnu, reclining on the coil of the seven hooded Ananta. He rests on the right side keeping his head on the right hand. The other three hands hold chakra, Sankha and an ornamented gada. His head is canopied by the hood of the snake. Brahma is seen emerging from his navel. Goddess Lakshmi is found massaging the left foot of the lord.


Festivals

Ananta Chaturdashi, Dola Purnima and Rakhi Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Sambalpur Junction Railway Station, 5 Kms from Sambalpur Bus Stand, 63 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 276 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 280 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi on the left side of the road leading from Kunjelpada to Bada Bazar.

Location

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