Question

Who decided to erect a temple for Purushottama Jagannatha at Puri?
A. Ashoka
B. Anantavarman
C. Anangabhima III
D. Mahendra

Answer 1

Hint:
The one who decided to erect the temple for Purushottama Jagannatha at Puri was one of the most important rulers of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

Complete answer:
His full name is Anantavarman Chodaganga. He was the ruler of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. They ruled the southern part of Kalinga. Anantavarman’s father was Rajaraja Deva and his mother was the daughter of emperor Virarajendra Chola. The temple of Jagannatha Puri was built in the 11th century on top of its ruins by Anantavarman Chodaganga.
He originally was a Shaivite, which means a follower of Lord Shiva but then he embraced Sri Vaishnavism under the influence of Sri Ramanuja when he visited the temple of Jagannath Puri. He styled himself as Paramvaishnava.
Anantavarman Deva established the present temple near the end of the 11th century. A copper plate inscription made by King Rajaraja III found on the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple near the north entrance states that Jagannath temple was built by Gangesvara. Later, King Ananga Bhima Deva II continued the work of Anantavarman by building walls around the temple and many shrines. He also worked upon establishing the regulations around the service.
Although Anantavarman was related to the Cholas, this did not stop Kulothunga Chola I from destroying the empire of the Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. It is believed that this step was taken because Ananthavarman failed to pay his rent consecutively for two years. He was ousted by Kulothunga’s general.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note:
Shortly afterwards a huge donation was given to Koneswaram temple in the name of Chodaganga Deva in 1223 CE, Konark temple was built in Orissa.