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Anantashayana Vishnu

Anantashayana Vishnu

heritage site · Odisha

State
Odisha
Type
Heritage Site

Fifteen metres of Vishnu lying on his side, cut into open rock on the left bank of the Brahmani at Saranga in Dhenkanal district, and the largest horizontal rock-cut image in India. It was carved in the early 9th century and is still out in the weather with nothing built over it. The name says he sleeps on the serpent Ananta; the figure has four arms, and worship is still offered to it. ASI looks after the site. This is a detour rather than a day out, but a relief this size does not photograph the way it stands.

Anantashayana Vishnu is known for

51 ft reclining VishnuOpen-air rock reliefEarly 9th centuryBrahmani riverbank

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