Sirpur
Group of Monuments
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/JRlUhNekrNg
References:
https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/06/sirpur-group-of-monuments-history.html
Sirpur was known as Shripura or Sripura (city of Laxmi,
Goddess of wealth, prosperity and auspiciousness). An important Hindu,
Buddhist, and Jain settlement of the South Kosala kingdom, Sirpur was the
capital city with major commercial and religious significance for the Dakshina
kingdom between 5th and 12th century CE.
The city was earlier the capital of Sharbhapuriya dynasty in
the mid 5th century CE and then the capital of Paduvamshi dynasty. Inscriptions
suggest King Teevardeva in the mid 6th century and king Shivagupta Balarjuna
establishing temples and monasteries for Hindus, Buddhists and Jainas in the 8th
century. Hieun Tsang mentions in his memoirs in 639 AD. Around 10000 Mahayana
Buddhist monks or bhikshus used to live here in 100 monasteries. And there were
over 100 temples.
The Sirpur Group of Monuments, located 78 km from Raipur,
Chhattisgarh, on the banks of the Mahanadi River, is a major
5th–12th century archaeological site. It represents advanced ancient
engineering, particularly in its brick architecture, often considered to be
more developed than some Harappan layouts.
As the former capital of the Panduvanshi dynasty, it features
significant Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain ruins, including the 7th-century
brick-built Laxman Temple, numerous monasteries (viharas), and the ancient city
of Shripur.
Key sites and features include:
Laxmana temple
Buddhist monuments
Surang Tila
Other ruins
The decline of Shirpur is related to two theories: First and
earthquake levelled the entire region and people abandoned the region. Second
the destruction and plunder of the city by invaders like Allauddin Khalji.
Discovery of coins supports the invasion. They also suggest about the trade
between Delhi sultanate and Dakshina Kosala kingdom.
Surang Tila is also mentioned to be made by extraterrestrial
knowledge.
How to reach
·
By
Air: The nearest
airport is Swami Vivekanand Airport (RPR) in Raipur, located about 80–90 km
from Sirpur. You can hire a private taxi directly from the airport to Sirpur,
which takes around 1.5–2 hours.
·
By
Train: Raipur Railway
Station is the main railhead. However, Mahasamund Railway Station is closer, at
approximately 35 km from the site. Taxis are available at both stations.
·
By Road:
From Raipur: Take National Highway 53 (formerly NH6)
eastbound towards Mahasamund and follow the signs for Sirpur.
By Bus: Regular bus services operate from Raipur
to Sirpur.
By Taxi: Booking a private car for the day is a
convenient option for exploring the various sites (Laxman Temple, Gandheshwar
Temple, Surang Tila).
Timings:
The Sirpur Group of
Monuments, including the famous Lakshmana Temple in Chhattisgarh, is generally
open to visitors daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This archaeological site
in the Mahasamund district, featuring 5th–12th century Hindu, Buddhist, and
Jain ruins, is typically accessible during these daylight hours.
Key Visitor
Information:
·
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily)
·
Entry
Fee (Indian): ₹20 : One ticket
is applicable for all the monuments available online or through the counter at
Lakshmana temples
·
Entry
Fee (Foreigner): ₹250: One ticket
is applicable for all the monuments available online or through the counter at
Lakshmana temples
Parking and
Photography:
There is no specific
dedicated parking anywhere. The complex is spread across a vast area. So
parking should be done outside the temple complexes which you visit. There is
no issue in parking.
Photography is
allowed. But Drones are not allowed. Drone can only be used near Gangeshwar
temple.
Famous Festivals
Key Festivals and Events:
·
Sirpur National Dance and Music Festival: A
major cultural event featuring renowned artists (e.g., Kathak exponent Birju
Maharaj) and local folk performances, hosted against the backdrop of the
Lakshman Temple.
·
Sirpur Heritage Festival: Sometimes
scheduled to highlight the archaeological importance of the site.
·
Cultural Significance: These festivals aim
to showcase the rich history of the site, which includes remnants of Buddhist
monasteries, Hindu, and Jain temples, and they are often held in the landscaped
gardens surrounding the temples.
·
Cultural Context: Performances
generally begin in the evenings, allowing attendees to explore the historical
ruins during the day
Stay Options
Stay options near the Sirpur Group of Temples with the best
options being eco-friendly resorts or basic government-run guesthouses. Key
choices include the Devbhumi eco-friendly heritage stay near Kodar Dam and
options in Mahasamund city, about 35 km away.
Few stay Options:
·
Devbhumi Eco-Friendly Heritage Stay: Situated
near Kodar Dam, this is a nearby option offering a natural setting close to the
heritage site and Barnawapara Sanctuary.
·
Chhattisgarh Tourism Accommodation: The
tourism department often operates a guesthouse or lodge in Sirpur, providing
basic amenities close to the archaeological sites.
·
Mahasamund City Hotels: As
Sirpur is a small village, you can find a wider variety of hotels in Mahasamund
city, which is 35 km away from the main temple complex.
·
Raipur Hotels: For
more premium or diverse options, Raipur, located 78 km from Sirpur, is a
popular choice for visitors
Laxmana Temple, Sirpur
Youtube Link:
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirpur_Group_of_Monuments
inheritage.foundation/heritage/laxman-temple
Location: “953P+6MW
Sri Laxman Temple, SH 9, Sirpur, Chhattisgarh 493551”
The Lakshmana temple, is a 7th-century brick temple, mostly
damaged and ruined.
Built of brick, it stands as a testament
to the architectural prowess of the Dakshin Kosala period. The sheer scale is
impressive. The temple rises on a high plinth ((about 40 by 80 feet
(12 m × 24 m)) with wide enough space for circumambulation.), its walls adorned with intricate terracotta panels depicting
scenes from the Ramayana, the Puranas, and everyday life. These panels, though
weathered by time, retain a remarkable clarity, offering glimpses into the
artistic sensibilities and societal norms of a bygone era.
The garbhagriya entrance along with the tower and door
carvings of the Lakshmana temple at Sirpur are reasonably intact enough to be
studied. Above the sanctum door's lintel are carvings show a reclining Vishnu
on Sesha (Anantasayana Vishnu) and a panel on Krishna from Bhagavata
Purana. Around the door are bands of carvings which show the ten avatars of
Vishnu along with daily life and couples in various stages of courtship
and mithuna. The
temple itself is built of brick except for the carved frame around the
grabha-griya (sanctum) made of stone. The sanctum opens to the east. In front
of the sanctum is the outline of an antarala (vestibule), and an oblong mandapa
(ceremonial community hall). The hall shows stub places for pillars, all now
lost to history. Except for the sanctum and the tower, much is in ruins. The
sanctum stone frame outside is a 22 by 22 feet (6.7 m × 6.7 m)
square, inside it is about 10 by 10 feet (3.0 m × 3.0 m) square.
The sanctum walls are plain like typical Hindu temples. The original statue of
sanctum is missing. The site management has installed several small statues for
visitors from what was found in the ruins pile.
The lower levels showcased larger, more
robust bricks, while the upper sections transitioned to smaller, finer ones,
almost creating a sense of visual lightness as the temple ascended.
The narrative scenes in the terracotta
panels were particularly captivating. One panel depicted a royal procession,
complete with elephants, horses, and musicians. Another showcased a scene from
the Ramayana, possibly the abduction of Sita. The details were astonishing –
the expressions on the faces, the intricate headdresses, even the folds of the
garments were rendered with remarkable skill. These weren't mere decorations;
they were stories etched in clay, offering a window into the rich cultural
tapestry of the time.
Architecturally, The pancharatha
plan, with its projections on the walls, creates a dynamic interplay of light
and shadow. what truly sets this temple apart is the extensive use of brick.
While brick temples are not uncommon, the Laxman Temple showcases a level of
sophistication rarely seen in brick construction. The precision of the
brickwork, the intricate carvings, and the sheer scale of the structure are a
testament to the mastery of the artisans who built it.
A museum managed by Archaeological Survey of India in
the Lakshmana temple premises preserves the artwork parts and pieces of
archaeological ruins found during excavations in the 1950s and in the 2000s.
These belong to Shaiva, Vaishnav, Buddha
and Jain religions
and variously dated to between 6th and 12th centuries
Nearby places to visit
- Kodar Dam (7.8 km): Enjoy
serene walks and boating just 7.8 km away.
- Barnawapara (25 km): Spot
Indian wildlife on thrilling jungle safaris, 25 km from our resort.
- Dhaskund Waterfall (23 km):
Witness a breathtaking waterfall just 23 km away.
- Gond Cave (33 km): Experience
history and adventure 33 km from the resort. Unforgettable experiences
await you!
Rama Temple and Baleshwara Temple
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/R-4BgPErE_U
References:
https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/06/rama-temple-sirpur-chattisgarh.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirpur_Group_of_Monuments
Shri Rama temple is situated less than 100 metres
(330 ft) southeast of the Lakshmana temple, but it is almost entirely in
ruins. The Rama temple site, however, does preserve the foundation outline of
several shrines as well as brick stub of the lower part of the original Shri
Rama temple
Shri Rama temple, dedicated to Shri Vishnu is situated
opposite the Shri Laxmana temple. The brick-built temple is now in complete
ruins. The east facing Shri Rama temple Is one of the twin temples constructed
over a raised platform built of dressed stones. The temple represents an early
example of the regional tradition of temples of South Kosala having stellate
plan (star shaped) for construction. Remnants of only one of the twin temples
is surviving whereas the other one can be seen in plan only. The original
temple consisted of a mandapam and sanctum. The walls of the sanctum, antarala
and pillared manadapam remains. The roof and tower over the sanctum was
completely lost forever. Few broken idols are housed in the Mandapam. The
mandapa and other features of the Rama were destroyed long ago, according
to Donald Stadtner, and the Rama temple site is likely to be from
about 600 CE. This is one of the earliest star shape jagati platform
temple in central India. It may have served as a prototype practice temple,
before Sirpur architects of the 7th century built much grander
stellate-principle Hindu temples in Kharod, Palari and Rajim
Baleshwar Mahadev temples group is a Shiva temple about 50
metres (160 ft) northwest of the Teevar dev monument, across the Sirpur
road. It consists of several temples. For three Shiva temples excavated, a
circumambulatory Jagati in
the form of a high-rise platform, similar to Lakshmana temple survives. For
another only the foundation is visible. The cluster was built by the Shaiva
king Shivagupta Balarjuna, and is dated to the mid-8th century. Two of the
temples are located side by side, and unlike most Sirpur temples, these open to
the west. Both have a mandapa, an antarala and have a star shaped garbha griya
made out of bricks and stone. The stellate sanctum is formed out of two
squares, one rotated by 45 degrees. Some of the artwork discovered during
excavations are displayed, and these show women and couple standing dressed up
in 8th-century attire. The sanctum has Shiva linga made from marble. .The Baleshwar mahadev temple shows
foundation and plinth layouts of several temples. The site has yielded numerous
statues (predominantly Hindu gods / goddesses / ideas), reliefs, pillars,
temple parts and Shiva linga.
The temple is probably
dedicated to the Bal avatar of Bhagwan Shiva.
SurangTila-ShivaTemples-GangadhareshwarT-Sirpur
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/hDlRH22YgWI
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirpur_Group_of_Monuments
https://www.facebook.com/GoChhattisgarh/videos/369195588390827/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/chhattisgarh/surang-tila-and-other-ruins/ps47068929.cms
Surang Tila is
located in Sirpur, in the Mahasamund District, 78km away from Raipur,
Chhattisgarh.The Surang Tila was established by Mahasivagupta Balarjuna during
the 7th Century AD, is constructed in the panchayatan style of Temple
architecture.Anti-earthquake technology was used in the construction of this
temple. Four of the sanctums in the main temple, each has a Shivalinga of a
different colour (black, yellow, red and white) for worship which shows unity
of devotion. The fifth one has an idol of Lord Ganesha.
The enormous temple of
Surang Tila was unearthed in 2005-06. The temple premises covers a vast
area and the main temple stands tall, elevated by a flight of 37 steep
limestone steps (closed when we visited). It is believed to have been hit by a
devastating earthquake around the 12th century AD, and the steps still bear the
visual repercussions of this calamity. The 32-pillared mandapa holds these five
sanctums. The complex area has three tantric temples in a platform, dedicated
to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The entry gate was believed to be located near the
river flowing adjacent to the temple. This was a practice that was started in the
temples of Sirpur, and thereafter, spread to other parts of the country.
Gandheshwar Temple: an active Shiva temple, Gandheshwar
temple is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi
River.[12] From
the river, there are stone stairs to walk to the sanctum. The temple is
routinely re-washed and re-painted. It likely includes recovered ruins from the
area, in which the locals have included Hindu, Buddhist and Jain iconography. A
stone slab that is part of the temple wall has a Bhramhi inscription in Nagari
script, starting with Om symbol and dedicated to Lord Buddha, which has been dated
to the 8th century.
The temple is an active Shiva temple, Gandheshwar temple is
situated on the banks of the Mahanadi
River From the river, there are stone stairs to walk to the
sanctum. It is an eclectic assembly of ancient sculptures and
architectural remnants, including statues of Nataraja, Shiva, Varaha, Garuda
Narayan, and Mahishasur Mardini. The temple displays numerous stone carvings
and has pillars featuring extensive inscriptions in Sanskrit and regional
scripts.
The temple is also noteworthy for the local tradition that
the Shivling sometimes smells of tulsi leaves, adding to its sacred reputation.
Shiva Temples on opposite
sides
There are 2 shiva temples on the opposite sides that can be
found on moving ahead and turning left after covering the Baleshwar Mahadeva
Temple. Not much is mentioned about these two temples, but they too looked to
be in ruins with the main structure not available, but Shivlingas being there
in the flat structures.