VI. Temples - Outside Puri
5. Ananta Vasudeva Temple
Objectives:
Objective 1: To study the 13th-century history of the Ananta Vasudeva Temple, its Eastern Ganga dynasty origins, and Queen Chandrika Devi’s role.
Ananta Vasudeva Temple (Temple of the Infinite Vasudeva) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The temple was constructed in the thirteenth century,there. The temple dates back to the period of Chandrika Devi, the daughter of Ananga bhima III, during the reign of the king Bhanudeva. A commemorative inscription that marked the foundation of the temple can be found in the British Museum’s collection.
Queen Chandrika Devi of the Eastern Ganga dynasty built the Ananta Vasudeva Temple in the 13th century. However, it is believed that an idol of Lord Vishnu was worshiped at the same place, prior to construction of the temple. In the late 17th century, the shrine was renovated by the Marathas, who by then had extended their reign till Odisha (erstwhile Kalinga). Queen Chandrika of Eastern Ganga dynasty was prompted to construct and the complete murtis of Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra are worshipped.
Objective 2: To understand the temple’s religious significance, its dedication to Krishna, and the worship of Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra.
The main shrine is divided into four parts: the sanctum, Jagamohana, Bhogamandapa and Natamandira. The main sanctum consists of the idols of Lord Balarama, Lord Krishna and Goddess Shubhadra.
The idols of the deities, which are called Shrimurtis, are made of black granite stone. The idol of Lord Balarama has been depicted as standing under a seven-hooded serpent, while that of Lord Krishna depicted as holding a conch, mace (gada) and chakra. The idol of Goddess Shubhadra has been depicted as holding a pot and lotus flower in her hands.
All prayers are performed in the worship hall called the Jagamohana, while Natamandira is where different festivals are celebrated. Bhogamandapa is the hall, where devotees make offerings to the gods.
Objective 3: To explore the cultural and festival practices associated with the temple, particularly the celebration of Janmashtami.
The popular Hindu festival of Janmashtami – the birthday of Lord Krishna – is celebrated with vigor at the Ananta Vasudeva Temple. On this day, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. Prayer chants and devotional songs played in the premises make the atmosphere quite spiritual. Thousands of devotees visit the temple on that day to worship Lord Krishna and offer milk, butter, sweet, curd and flowers as homage.
Architecture of Bhubaneswar Ananta Vasudeva Temple
Objective 4: To examine the artistic elements such as sculptures, gopuram, engravings, and the depiction of mythological stories from Vaishnavite scriptures.
The Ananta Vasudeva Temple is known for its fantastic Kalinga style of architecture. An interesting aspect of the shrine is its pillars and walls, which are engraved with several images that depict chapters from different Vaishnavite scriptures. The Gopuram (entrance tower) of the shrine is also carved with pictures of various gods and goddesses that portray various mythological stories. The temple also has long Shikharas (spires) carved with various images.
Darshan Timing
6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
