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Ananta Vasudeva Temple: A Vaishnavite Gem in Bhubaneswar

Discover the spiritual heart of Bhubaneswar at the Ananta Vasudeva Temple, a 13th-century Vaishnavite gem dedicated to Lord Krishna and his siblings.

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The Ananta Vasudeva Temple, dating back to the 13th century, stands as a significant Vaishnavite shrine in Bhubaneswar. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra, it distinguishes itself from the Jagannath Temple in Puri with its complete black granite idols and unique Kalinga architecture. Located on the eastern bank of Bindu Sarovar, near the Lingaraj Temple, it offers a serene and spiritually enriching experience.

A brief summary to Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar

  • Bhubaneswar, Gouri Nagar, Old Town, Odisha, 751002, IN
  • Monday 6 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-8 pm
  • Friday 6 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the winter months (October to March) for pleasant weather and comfortable exploration.
  • Dress modestly in traditional or formal clothing when visiting the temple.
  • Experience the temple's culinary tradition by partaking in the 'Abhada,' the holy food prepared in the temple kitchen.
  • Explore nearby attractions like Bindu Sarovar and Ekamra Van to enrich your visit.
  • Photography is prohibited inside the main sanctum; respect the temple's rules and regulations.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Lingaraj Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple is a short walk east along the main road. The walk is approximately 500 meters and takes about 5-10 minutes. There are no costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Bhubaneswar Railway Station, take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to the Old Town area. Several buses ply this route, with a typical fare of ₹10-₹20. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. From the Master Canteen bus stop, the temple is approximately 4 KM away. Auto-rickshaws are readily available from the bus stand.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Biju Patnaik International Airport, a taxi or ride-share service (Ola/Uber) to Ananta Vasudeva Temple costs approximately ₹200-₹300. The journey is about 4.5 km and takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking is available near the temple, but it can get crowded during peak seasons.

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Discover more about Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar

The Ananta Vasudeva Temple, located in Bhubaneswar's Old Town, is a captivating testament to Odisha's rich religious heritage. Constructed in the 13th century during the reign of King Bhanudeva, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna (Vasudeva), his brother Balarama (Ananta), and their sister Subhadra. Queen Chandrika Devi of the Eastern Ganga dynasty commissioned its construction, solidifying its place as a prominent Vaishnavite shrine. Unlike the wooden idols at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Ananta Vasudeva Temple features complete, intricately carved murtis (idols) made of black granite stone. Balarama is depicted under a seven-hooded serpent, Subhadra holds a jewel pot and lotus, and Krishna holds a mace, chakra, lotus, and conch. This distinction lends the temple unique significance, with Bhubaneswar even gaining the name Chakra Kshetra because of Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra, similar to how Puri is called Shankha Kshetra. The temple's Kalinga architecture, similar to the Lingaraj Temple but on a smaller scale, showcases longitudinal shikharas (spires) adorned with detailed carvings. The temple complex comprises four main sections: the sanctum (garbhagriha), Jagamohana (assembly hall), Natamandira (dance hall), and Bhogamandapa (offering hall). The pillars and walls are engraved with images depicting stories from Vaishnavite scriptures. Visiting the Ananta Vasudeva Temple offers a glimpse into ancient traditions and artistic brilliance. The temple kitchen, one of the city's largest, prepares food for thousands of devotees daily using traditional methods with earthen pots and wood-fired stoves. The temple is a vibrant center of worship, especially during festivals like Janmashtami, Diwali, and Rakshabandhan.

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