Bhubaneswar — the “City of Temples” — is often celebrated for its sprawling heritage of Shiva shrines, each steeped in centuries-old devotion. But tucked away on the eastern bank of the Bindu Sagar tank lies a rare anomaly in this Shaivite stronghold: the Ananta Vasudeva Temple, the city’s only temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
A Shaivite City with a Vaishnavite Gem
While Bhubaneswar boasts over 500 temples, almost all honor Lord Shiva in his many forms — from the towering Lingaraj to the humble neighborhood shrines. The Ananta Vasudeva Temple stands out as a lone Vaishnavite presence, a quiet reminder of the city’s more inclusive spiritual past.
Built in the 13th century CE by Queen Chandrika Devi of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the temple reflects a period when Odisha’s rulers embraced both Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Its name — Ananta Vasudeva — refers to Vishnu in his infinite form, reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta.
Architecture: Familiar Style, Different Deity
At first glance, the temple’s architecture seems similar to its Shaivite neighbors — the curvilinear rekha deul tower, the pillared jagamohana hall, and intricate stone carvings. But step inside, and the iconography changes.
Instead of a Shiva lingam, you find an exquisite triple image of Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra carved in black chlorite stone. This image bears resemblance to the Jagannath triad of Puri, though here Krishna holds the flute, emphasizing his pastoral charm. The sanctum’s walls depict Vishnu’s various avatars, celestial beings, and scenes from the epics.
A Temple of Living Traditions
Unlike many ancient temples in Bhubaneswar that now serve purely as heritage sites, Ananta Vasudeva remains a living temple. Daily rituals follow the strict Vaishnavite Agama tradition, and the temple kitchen is famed for its Mahaprasad — rice, dal, curries, and sweets cooked in large earthen pots over wood fires. The food is served on banana leaves and is said to retain an unmatched flavor due to the traditional cooking methods.
Spiritual Significance
The temple symbolizes unity within diversity — a Vaishnavite presence in a predominantly Shaivite city. It is a reminder that Bhubaneswar’s sacred geography has always been fluid, shaped by the coexistence of different faiths and sects. Pilgrims visiting the Lingaraj Temple often extend their journey to Ananta Vasudeva, acknowledging both the destroyer and the preserver in one spiritual circuit.
Visiting Tips
- Location: Eastern bank of Bindu Sagar tank, Old Town, Bhubaneswar.
- Best Time: Early morning for serene darshan; late afternoon for temple rituals and prasad distribution.
- Dress Code: Modest, traditional attire recommended; footwear to be left outside.
- Special Days: Janmashtami is celebrated with grandeur, attracting devotees from across Odisha.
Final Thoughts
The Ananta Vasudeva Temple may not have the towering fame of Lingaraj or the coastal magnetism of Jagannath Puri, but it offers something unique — the quiet grace of Lord Vishnu in a city ruled by Shiva’s presence. For heritage lovers and spiritual seekers alike, it’s an essential stop in Bhubaneswar’s sacred circuit.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananta_Vasudeva_Temple
