Odisha is famous for its exquisite ancient architecture many of which continue to live even today bearing testimony to the rich history and tradition of the state. However, improper maintenance and preservation threatens to push many of these historical monuments into oblivion.
Anantashayana Vishnu (a sculpture of sleeping Lord Vishnu on serpent Ananta), situated near Sarang village under Parjang police limits in Dhenkanal district is one of the classic examples of sheer neglect towards architectural masterpieces.
The carving believed to be dating back to the ninth-century, is located on the left bank of the Brahmani River. Researchers depict the sculpture as an epitome of Vedic religious beliefs and philosophy as it symbolically represents the cosmic balance of finity within infinity.
With its measurements of 51ft length and 23 ft breadth, it is billed as the largest such exposed rock cut structure, in the whole of Asia.
Though it is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the historical structure is lying in a dilapidated condition thanks to the lackadaisical attitude by the department and apathy of the State government
The sculpture of Vishnu has four arms, holding a ‘Chakra - Wheel' in the upper right hand, a ‘Shankha - Conch' in his upper left hand, a ‘Gada - Mace’ and a symbolic lotus in the lower left hand. The hoods of the primal serpent Shesha (Ananta) canopying the head of Vishnu.
As per popular folklore, Anantashayana sculpture has been created naturally by speeding current of water in the river. The shrine is one of the most revered religious sites in Dhenkanal and people from far and wide often visit the location.
But as far as safety of the sculpture is concerned, floods in Brahmani River are the real threat to the structure built on the sandstone due to its vulnerability to corrosion.
Locals allege that Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is doing little to check the erosion of the rare statue.
“ASI is doing nothing for the renovation and preservation of the sculpture. An iron fence has been erected around the place to protect the shrine but it has been unable to preserve it,” said Sushant Kumar Singh, a local resident.
“Thousands of tourists used to throng the location to witness the rare sight. But, their numbers have been dwindling for quite some time now and presently there is less footfall at the historical place due to the government apathy,” said Manoranjan Samantray.
“ASI and State government should have the vision to develop the historical place as a tourist destination. Steps should be taken accordingly for the geographic and economic development of the area,” said Samantray.
(Edited by Suryakant Jena)