Vishnu Temples in Odisha
Vishnu is often regarded as the protector of the universe. It is believed that he returns to Earth to balance the good and evil in society. He has been incarnated many times and saved the earth. Two of his incarnations Rama and Krishna have been in the epic stories of Ramayan and Mahabharat.
Vishnu Avatar Temples in Odisha
Jagannath Temple, Puri- Located in Puri district of Odisha. The temple of Jagannath is one of the Char Dham is the world-famous Vishnu temple. The temple has the idol of Lord Balabhadra Jagannath, Subhadra and Sudarshana and is known as Chaturthi murti. The temple was constructed by popular Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva in the 12th century. The temple has the largest kitchen in the world and to everyone’s surprise; the kitchen is never out of food no matter how many devotees get served. The belief says that Maa Annapurna (goddess Laxmi, the wife of Lord Jagannath.) The Netra(flag) of the temple always flies in the opposite direction of the wind which is a mysterious fact. The world-famous Rath Yatra (the chariot festival) is celebrated here. There are many other mysterious facts about the temple that will leave you astonished.
Neela Madhava Temple, Kantilo- The very famous temple is located near the bank of Mahanadi River, Kantilo. The main attraction of the temple is the permanent water flow from the feet of the deity. Initially, it was a small cave in the Brahmagiri hills situated on the banks of Mahanadi Legends say there was a local sabar named Biswabasu who worshipped Kitung as a sabar god. As per the scriptures an Intranela gem or sapphire stone was worshipped and the name Neela Madhav was named as per the colour of the stone. Lately, Daru murti replaced the Intranela gem.
Madhava Temple, Cuttack- The temple is located in Madhaba village of silver city Cuttack. The building comprises three buildings, namely Vimana, Jagamohana and Nata Mandapa. The temple is also called Duramadhaba” The main attraction of this temple is the very old idol of Garuda, which is made up of black stone.it attracts a large number of Vishnu devotees to visit this four-handed Madhava temple and witness the dynamic worship.
Sakhi Gopal Temple- Located in Sakhi Gopal town in Bhubaneswar-puri highway. The temple is dedicated to Lord Gopinath. Previously, the Sakhi Gopal temple was known as the Satyabadi Gopinath temple. It was built in the medieval period by the grandson of Lord Krishna – king Vajra. King Vajra had 16 immortals of Lord Krishna and other gods carved for a rare, enduring stone known as “Braja”. The temple is famous for celebrating the Anla Navami festival in which the practice of touching goddess Radha’s feet.
Khirachora Gopinath -Located at Remuna of Balasore district. The temple is dedicated to child Krishna and the word “Khirachora” refers to milk stealer. In the 13th century, king Langula nrusingha Deva brought this deity to Remuna from chitrakuta. As per belief lord, Sri Ram carved Gopinath with his arrow and Sita worshipped this deity in Chitrakuta. A special type of food is served to child Krishna called Amruta Keli or Gopinath khira which is prepared with homemade condensed milk, cream and sugar, with sprinkled raisins. It comes in small earthen pots. The belief says that lord Gopinath personally has tasted the Khira.
Ananta Basudev Temple- located at the capital city Bhubaneswar which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was constructed in the 13th century AD by queen Chandrika the daughter of Angabhima III of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The complete sculpture of lord Krishna, Balrama and Subhadra are worshipped in this temple Bhubaneswar is known as Chakra-kshetra for this temple
The temple resembles the Lingaraj temple but the temple is for Vishnu devotees. The rituals of Ananta Basudev Temple are so similar to Jagannath Temple Puri starting from morning arti to the number of dishes offered to the deities namely Anna Prasad.
Chattia Bata Temple- Chattia Bata temple is located at chatia, between the Cuttack and chandikhol town of Jajpur district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and is associated with the avatar of Vishnu “Kalki”. The temple was constructed by King Jajati Keshari. It is believed that the last 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu called Kalki will visit this temple and receive a sword from Vaikuntha(heaven) named Nandaka. The temple has an old banyan tree which is also called “Bata ” in Odia dialect present inside the temple boundary and beside the main temple of chattia temple. Due to the banyan tree the temple is named “Chattia Bata”.