The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has highlighted the remarkable Anantasayi Vishnu sculpture located at Saranga in Dhenkanal district, Odisha, drawing attention to one of India’s most significant yet lesser-known rock-cut heritage monuments. The monumental sculpture, carved directly into an exposed rock outcrop on the left bank of the Brahmani River, is regarded as the largest rock-cut image of Anantasayi (Reclining) Vishnu in the country.
According to ASI, the colossal sculpture depicts Lord Vishnu in the Anantasayi or reclining posture, a form representing the deity resting on the cosmic serpent during the cycle of creation. Unlike conventional depictions, however, the Saranga sculpture is not portrayed with the traditional serpent hood, making it a distinctive example of early medieval Indian iconography.
The monument is believed to date to the late Bhaumakara period (around the 9th century CE). ASI notes that the dating is based on the sculpture’s iconographic features and the design of its kiritamukuta (crown). Other stylistic characteristics, including the pointed chin, prominent nose, and elaborate ornamentation, further reflect the artistic traditions of the Bhaumakara dynasty, which ruled parts of present-day Odisha between the 8th and 10th centuries.
Carved in high relief on a natural rock surface, the sculpture demonstrates the advanced craftsmanship achieved by artisans of the period. Its monumental scale and integration with the surrounding landscape along the Brahmani River make it an important example of India’s rock-cut sculptural heritage.
The site remains an important cultural and archaeological landmark, offering valuable insights into the religious art, iconography, and architectural traditions of early medieval eastern India. ASI’s renewed focus on the monument is expected to increase awareness about the preservation and promotion of Odisha’s lesser-known heritage assets.
The Anantasayi Vishnu sculpture stands as a testament to India’s rich sculptural legacy and highlights the need for continued conservation of historic monuments that form an integral part of the country’s cultural identity.
About the Monument
- Monument: Anantasayi Vishnu Rock-Cut Sculpture
- Location: Saranga, Dhenkanal District, Odisha
- River: Left bank of the Brahmani River
- Period: Late Bhaumakara Dynasty (c. 9th Century CE)
- Significance: Largest rock-cut image of Anantasayi Vishnu in India
- Protected by: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Join our WhatsApp Channel for fastest updates: Join now