Anantasaayi Vishnu Temple

Anantasaayi Vishnu Temple is a shrine in Sambalpur housing a black chlorite sculpture of resting Vishnu and featuring elaborate carvings on its walls and pillars. The structure displays traditional Hindu architectural elements with numerous decorative details that emphasize its religious significance.

The shrine was built in the early 16th century during the reign of Chauhan king Balaram Dev and represents a significant religious construction of that era. This founding moment shaped regional architecture and devotional practices in the Sambalpur area.

The temple holds special meaning during multiple Hindu festivals throughout the year, with Ananta Chaturdashi in Bhadrapada serving as its principal celebration. Visitors can witness the devotional gatherings and festive practices that make this site especially significant for worshippers.

The shrine sits about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Sambalpur railway station near Kamali Bazar and benefits from good public transportation connections. Visitors will find easy access and can explore the grounds throughout the day.

The black chlorite image of the deity arrived as a queen's dowry gift, prompting the construction of this religious site. This unusual origin of the main sculpture reveals how personal royal events led to the founding of an important shrine.