Sirpur (Chhattisgarh)
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Sirpur सिरपुर |
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| town | |
 Sirpur
Sirpur
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| Coordinates: 21°03′43″N 82°07′27″E / 21.06197°N 82.12415°ECoordinates: 21°03′43″N 82°07′27″E / 21.06197°N 82.12415°E | |
| Country |
 India
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| State | Chhattisgarh |
| District | Mahasamund district |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 1,467 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Hindi, Chhattisgarhi |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Vehicle registration | CG |
Sirpur is a historical town in Mahasamund district in the state of Chhattisgarh 78 km away from Raipur and 35 km from Mahasamund city on the banks of the river Mahanadi. The town of Sirpur (aka Shirpur) has been mentioned in ancient epigraphic records, dating back to the 5th to the 8th centuries A.D. The city was once the capital of the Sarbhapuriya and Somvanshi Kings of Dakshin (south) Kosala state. It was an important centre of Buddhist from the 6th the 10th century A.D. and was visited by Hieun Tsang, the 7th Century Chinese Pilgrimist and Scholar. The beauty of this magical place has beckoned the presence of His Holiness Dalai Lama too in March 2013.
It is believed that a devastating earthquake buried the ancient town under mud and debris in the 12th century.
The 7th century Laxman Temple which is constructed by maharani vasta devi (wife of harsh gupt and mother of maha shivgupt balarjun during the kingdom of mahashivgupta balarjun) which is (dedicated to lord Vishnu) is considered as one of the finest brick temples of India with a stone doorframe. First discovered in 1872 by Lord Cunningham, the temple is famous for its interesting carvings. Recent excavations have uncovered 12 Buddh Viharas, 1 Jain Vihara, monolithic statues of Buddha and Mahavira, 22 Shiv temples and 5 Vishnu temples, an Ayurveda treatment centre, underground granary market and a sixth century ‘Ayurvedic snaan kund’ (ancient spa).
Other famous attractions of Sirpur are the Gandheshwar Temple and the Buddha Vihara. Sirpur is also famous for paper industry.
Relive history and let art steal your breath away as you visit one of India’s finest brick temples ever created, the magnificent Laxman temple. A remarkable product of unique Symmetry, precise construction and exquisite carvings, the Laxman temple is a portrayal of ageless art and devotion. Explore Indian mythology as the beautiful Sheshnaag serving as an umbrella to Lord Vishnu catches your attention at the entrance. The ‘Panchrath’ type of a temple boasts of a Mandapa (shelter), Antral (passage) and the Garbha Griha (the main house). Exquisite carving work on pillars depicting religious segments like Vatayan, Chitya Gawaksha, Bharwahakgna, Aja, Kirtimukha and Kama Amalak breathe life into the exterior walls of the temple. The many incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Krishna leela ornamental symbols and erogenous pictures give the temple a uniquely sacrosanct appeal. It feels as if the walls, pillars, arches are telling stories of the Gods that hailed the rich land. Inside the main house, sits a beautifully crafted statue of Naagraj. Believed to be constructed by the mother of Mahashivgupt Balarjun Vasta, the Laxman temple was built in the memory of her husband Harshgupta in 650 A.D.
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Wikipedia