Image Source: Satyabrata
About Ananta Vasudeva Temple
The Ananta Vasudeva Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, stands as a unique landmark in the City of Temples, as it is the only major shrine in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Ananta Vasudeva (Krishna).
Built in the 13th century CE, this temple marks an important departure in the city’s spiritual landscape, which is otherwise dominated by Shaivite shrines such as the Lingaraja Temple and Mukteshwar Temple. Known for its sanctity, intricate carvings, and sacred association with Bindu Sagar Lake, the temple remains a cherished pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Krishna and Vishnu.
History
The temple was constructed in 1278 CE during the reign of Queen Chandrika Devi, sister of the Ganga king Narasimhadeva I, who also commissioned the famous Konark Sun Temple. Unlike most temples in Bhubaneswar that primarily enshrine Lord Shiva, Ananta Vasudeva was built to establish a strong Vaishnavite presence in the region.
This temple thus reflects the religious diversity of Odisha, blending Shaivism and Vaishnavism within the same sacred geography.
Architecture
Ananta Vasudeva Temple is designed in the Kalinga architectural style, bearing similarities to the Lingaraja Temple, but with Vaishnavite elements that make it distinctive.
Vimana (Sanctum Tower): The towering spire houses the main sanctum where Lord Krishna is worshipped along with Balarama and Subhadra, resembling the Jagannath triad of Puri.
Jagamohana (Assembly Hall): Built in the classic pidha deula style, with pyramid-like layers.
Natamandira (Dancing Hall): Used for cultural and devotional performances in earlier times.
Bhoga Mandapa (Offering Hall): A significant part of the temple where devotees prepare and offer food to Lord Krishna. Unlike most other temples, the cooked food (prasada) here is prepared inside the temple kitchen itself, much like the practice followed at Jagannath Temple, Puri.
Carvings: The temple walls showcase Vaishnavite imagery, including Krishna leelas (childhood plays of Krishna), Vishnu’s avatars, Garuda, and celestial beings.
Religious Importance
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Ananta Vasudeva, accompanied by Balarama (with a plough) and Subhadra (holding a pot). This makes it spiritually significant for Vaishnavites, as it is the only major Vishnu temple in Bhubaneswar.
The rituals and traditions here closely resemble those of Puri Jagannath Temple, making it an important pilgrimage spot for devotees who cannot travel to Puri.
Festivals and Rituals
The temple comes alive during Janmashtami, the birth celebration of Lord Krishna, when thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers, sing devotional songs, and witness special rituals. Other important festivals include Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Ratha Saptami, and Dola Purnima (Holi celebrations).
Daily offerings of bhoga (cooked food) prepared in the temple kitchen are considered highly sacred, and devotees often partake in this prasada as a form of divine blessing.
Local Culture and Surroundings
Located on the eastern bank of Bindu Sagar Lake, the Ananta Vasudeva Temple enjoys a serene and sacred setting. The temple precinct is surrounded by bustling lanes of Old Town Bhubaneswar, lined with shops selling brassware, pattachitra paintings, conch items, and traditional sweets.
Pilgrims visiting the temple often combine it with darshan at Lingaraja Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, and Rajarani Temple, making it part of the Ekamra heritage circuit.
How to Reach
By Air: The temple is about 3.5 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI). Auto-rickshaws and taxis provide quick access.
By Rail: The Bhubaneswar Railway Station is around 4 km away, with direct trains connecting the city to major Indian metros. From the station, local transport can reach the temple in 15 minutes.
By Road: Well connected by NH-16 and NH-316, Bhubaneswar has regular bus services from Puri, Konark, Cuttack, and Sambalpur. The Baramunda Bus Stand is 8 km from the temple.