Sri Ananta Shayana Swami Temple is located in Narayanpet, Telangana. The main deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu in the reclining posture, known as Sri Ananta Shayana Swami. He is seen lying on the cosmic serpent Ananta (Adishesha), symbolizing rest after creation. This is a rare form of Vishnu where the Lord is resting, signifying protection, preservation, and the cosmic balance. The idol is made of Salagrama stone and is believed to be a floating deity, installed without a base, known as Antariksha Pratishta (suspended installation).
The temple reflects ancient Dravidian-style architecture. It is a relatively small but spiritually rich temple. The sanctum houses the reclining Vishnu on a beautifully carved serpent bed. The entire idol is carved from a single stone (Ekashila) and is positioned in such a way that it appears to float. The carvings on the pillars and walls are traditional and simple, focusing more on divinity than grandeur. The peaceful courtyard and surrounding trees enhance its spiritual vibe.
Sri Ananta Shayana Swami Temple is believed to be over 4,800 years old. According to local belief, it was originally worshipped by King Janamejaya, the son of King Parikshit and great-grandson of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata era. The temple has stood the test of time and is regarded as one of the oldest in Telangana. The floating deity adds to its mystique and ancient heritage.
Long ago, after the Mahabharata war, King Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit and the great-grandson of the Pandavas, was deeply troubled by the sins of his ancestors, especially the destruction and pain caused during the war. Seeking peace and liberation for his family, he began a great Sarpa Yagna (snake sacrifice) to destroy all serpents, blaming them for his father’s death by snakebite.
During this time, sages and wise men advised King Janamejaya to also perform penance and seek blessings from Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe. Following their advice, he arrived at the serene and spiritually charged land of Narayanpet, renowned for its divine vibrations.
Here, he worshipped Lord Vishnu with deep devotion. Pleased with the king’s sincerity and repentance, Lord Vishnu appeared in the reclining form of Ananta Shayana, resting on the serpent Adishesha, floating above the ground. The Lord promised to bless and protect Janamejaya and cleanse his lineage of the sins of war and revenge.
As a result, the idol of Lord Vishnu was established at this sacred place, in a rare form known as Antariksha Pratishta, meaning the deity is suspended in air, without touching the ground. The Salagrama idol, carved from a single stone, continues to amaze devotees to this day as it seemingly floats without a base, symbolizing the divine presence that transcends earthly limitations.
From that moment, the site became known as the Sri Ananta Shayana Kshetra, and over time, a temple was built around the divine form. Devotees believe that worshipping here grants relief from ancestral sins (pitru dosha), removes fear, and brings spiritual peace.
Sri Ananta Shayana Swami Temple celebrates major festivals like Vaikuntha Ekadashi, the most important day for Vishnu devotees, with special pujas and prayers. Sri Rama Navami and Krishna Janmashtami are observed with bhajans and offerings. Though a Vishnu temple, Maha Shivaratri is also celebrated. These festivals draw many devotees and create a peaceful, devotional atmosphere.
