Ananta Vasudeva Temple- History, Architecture, Entry Fee, and Much More!
If I can say in one word about the feeling of visiting Ananta Vasudev Temple- it’s Magic!!
It indeed is pure magic when you just get there and the air mixed with fragrant flowers and sandalwood would just enchant you to come visit Gods. Like a mini Puri, Ananta Vasudeva Temple is no short of driving devotees to the Gods and making sure that it’s not about just the place where Gods are worshiped, it’s always about the devotion that resides inside your heart.
Ananta Vasudeva Temple is one of Odisha’s most renowned and historic temples. The temple is situated in Bhubaneswar, adjacent to the Bindu Sagar and the Lingaraj Temple. The temple, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu, is one of the city’s few Vaishnavite sanctuaries. Lord Vasudeva (Krishna), Lord Ananta (Balarama), and Goddess Shubhadra are the deities revered at the shrine.
One of the temple’s features is its kitchen, where Mahaprasad, also known as Abhada, is made using firewood and earthen stoves in earthen pots. At Bhoga Bazaar, which is close to the shrine, this holy meal is first served to the gods before being given to the worshippers. The entire atmosphere is reminiscent of the Ananda Bazaar in Puri Jagannath Temple.
History Of Ananta Vasudeva, Bhubaneswar
The Ananta Vasudeva Temple was constructed in the 13th century by Queen Chandrika Devi of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Even before the temple was built, it is said that the same place had housed a Lord Vishnu idol. The Marathas, who had extended their rule over Odisha (formerly Kalinga) by then, refurbished the shrine in the late 17th century.
At the Ananta Vasudeva Temple, the much-celebrated Hindu festival of Janmashtami, which honors Lord Krishna’s birth, is vigorously observed. The temple is exquisitely decked with flowers and lights on this day. The atmosphere is very spiritual with the playing of devotional music and prayer chants inside the building. On this day, thousands of devotees come to the temple to worship Lord Krishna and pay respects by presenting milk, butter, sweets, curd, and flowers.
Architecture Of Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Ananta Vasudeva Temple is renowned for its stunning Kalinga-style architecture. The shrine’s pillars and walls are attractive because they are inlaid with numerous motifs that represent passages from various Vaishnavite scriptures. Additionally, the Gopuram (entry tower) of the shrine is adorned with carvings of several gods and goddesses that depict a variety of mythical tales. Long Shikharas (spires) that are carved with various images also exist in the temple.
The sanctuary, Jagamohana, Bhogamandapa, and Natamandira are the four sections that make up the main temple. The idols of Lord Balarama, Lord Krishna, and Goddess Shubhadra are found in the main sanctuary.
The deities’ idols, known as Shrimurtis, are carved from black granite. The idol of Lord Krishna is shown holding a conch, mace (gada), and chakra, whereas that of Lord Balarama is seen standing beneath a seven-headed serpent. Goddess Shubhadra’s idol has traditionally been seen holding a pitcher and a lotus blossom in her hands.
All prayers are said in the worship space known as the Jagamohana, and several festivals are observed in the Natamandira. The place where worshippers present gifts to the gods is known as the Bhogamandapa.
Things To Explore in Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar
Visitors truly admire the temple’s exquisite architecture in addition to paying respects and being devoted to the gods. Eating the meals made in the temple’s own kitchen is a must-do activity here. To take this sacred meal known as Abhada, devotees throng the temple in great numbers. This kitchen employs 200 people and is open to the public so they can see how it uses earthenware and an earthen stove to cook.
There are a lot of worthwhile tourist destinations close by. One such location is Bindu Sagar, which is east of the Ananta Vasudeva Temple. It is roughly 700 feet broad and 1300 feet long. There is a local myth that says drinking the holy water from the Bindu Sagar can cure all illnesses and wash away all sins. Ekamra Van, a therapeutic garden with a vast range of medicinal plants and trees, is located nearby.
Ticket Price/ Entry Fee and Timings In Ananta Vasudeva Temple
The Ananta Vasudeva Temple does not charge an entrance fee. The shrine is open to visitors from 6.30 am to 7 pm. It’s open every day of the week.
How To Travel to Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar
Address- Gouri Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751002, India
By air, rail, and road, Bhubaneswar is well connected to all of the major cities in the nation. The primary airport in the city, Biju Patnaik International Airport, is located 3.8 km away from the Ananta Vasudeva Temple. The distance between the temple and the Bhubaneswar Railway Station is about 4.2 kilometers.
From the railway station and the airport, local transportation options including auto rickshaws and private cabs are conveniently available. To get to the Old Town neighborhood, where the temple is located, tourists staying at any of the city’s hotels can easily take local buses, cabs in Bhubaneswar, or auto rickshaws.
Things To Remember While Visiting Ananta Vasudeva Temple
There are no cameras permitted within the main sanctuary.
Shoes are not permitted within the temple.
Avoid leaving trash on the property.
The Ananta Vasudeva temple has a long and illustrious history and is devoted to Lord Krishna in the Ananta Vasudeva form. Ananta Vasudeva Temple visits provide a singular opportunity to experience the devotion and spirituality linked with Lord Krishna as well as to take in the magnificence of old Odisha’s workmanship. The temple attracts tourists from near and far to experience its sacred aura and behold its architectural magnificence since it stands as an everlasting emblem of faith, creativity, and dedication. Hare Krishna!