Anantasayana Vishnu, Bhimakanda, Odisha

Anantasayana Vishnu, Bhimakanda, Odisha

Anantasayana Vishnu is a rock cut sculpture located in Bhimakanda in Kaniha Block in Anugul District in Odisha, India. It is situated within the compound of NTPC Power Plant on the right bank of Tikira river, a tributary of Brahmani river.

History

The sculpture would have been carved by the Sulki of Kodalaka mandala, the feudatory of Bhaumakaras in 8^th century CE. The sculpture is protected and taken care by Archaeological Survey of India and NTPC.

The Sculpture

The sculpture depicts the reclining posture of Lord Vishnu. The sculpture is facing towards east and carved out on the natural rock surface. The sculpture is in a dilapidated condition. The right part of the sculpture has been completely eroded. The upper left hand holds a chakra whereas padma is symbolically represented on the lower left hand. The NTPC fenced and provided roof to the sculpture to safeguard it from natural and human destruction.

Connectivity

The sculpture is located at about 1.5 Kms from Bijigol Bypass Chowk, 3 Kms from Kaniha Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Kaniha, 28 Kms from Talcher, 31 Kms from Talcher Railway Station, 30 Kms from Rengali Project Town, 41 Kms from Angul, 150 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 156 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The sculpture is situated on Talcher to Rengali Dam route.

Location